Would you like a little psychotherapy with that fresh coat of paint?
I had never TRULY appreciated those old vintage cars, all fixed up, that are driven and maintained by older men on the edge of mid-life crises (and sometimes insanity).
Their world revolves disturbingly around these cars, and they attend old, restored car conferences every year to show off their efforts.
They distract themselves by talking about old cars to try to forget they are headed for the scrap heap soon, too, and they pretend that by restoring an old car, they COULD also restore themselves.
Thank you for liking me! I like you too! Let’s journey together!
At least that is what is happening beneath the surface for them. However, we may not see a ripple of these neuroses on the surface as they talk incessantly about missing parts and how to help give the exterior another fresh coat of paint to cover over some of the rust and warped frames. In other words, they are actually talking about themselves.
They don’t know it deep down, though there is sort of a hint, an inkling way down deep in their souls, which suggests this may be true.
They would never admit it. (That’s okay, actually. The truly wise know that sometimes, burying neuroses is not SUCH a bad strategy!)
As for me, I had never appreciated old, restored cars when I was young.
Now, I do for some reason that I can’t quite pinpoint.
I mean, the work!
And don’t you think those old cars are MUCH NICER LOOKING and therefore have MUCH MORE VALUE than those cheap imports? And SURE – the newer cars take a bit less work – but have MUCH LESS PERSONALITY?
I mean, I think so.
And so, what are the three hidden reasons why appreciating old cars helps us regain our sanity?
That’s easy:
- Appreciating old cars (and dragonflies) awakens us to remember that God is outside of our time line for our lives.
- Appreciating old cars reminds us that God loves to fix stuff, too.
- Appreciating old cars helps us expand our vision of WHAT God can do in the next season of our lives.
“In the Last Days,” God says, “I will pour out my Spirit on every kind of people: . . . your old men [will] dream dreams.
And that’s all I have to say for today.
Oh, and did I mention that God loves to restore old cars, too?
Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; Cause Your face to shine on us [in favor and approval] . . .
This is good news, friend!
As the song below sings, “Now is the time for restoration with repentance with transformation,” what do you sense God nudging in your heart? What old dream do you sense rising to the surface again? May you ponder your dreams in times of prayer with God, friend, and may He boldly guide your steps into your next season.
May you have exceeding joy as you drive your restored Corvette with the top down into this next season, friend.
I’ll wave to you as we pass each other!
Thank you for liking me! I like you too! Let’s journey together!
Restoring Life 