From Rev. Brock Patterson
"Squeaky Wheels"
Squeaky wheels are the worst, especially when one drives a pickup truck. Squeaky wheels sometimes mean that a problem exists in the tires, rotors, or brakes, or it could be a wide variety of other car repair services of which I know nothing. My reality is that each time I take a vehicle in for a Squeaky Wheel issue, I’m stuck with another bill for $700.
Want to know something interesting? As I’m complaining about Squeaky Wheels, none of my wheels in either vehicle is actually squeaking. In fact, I don’t currently have any vehicle maintenance issues. Both vehicles are running great, which begs the question: Why am I concerned about a maintenance bill that doesn’t exist? Two reasons.
First, my mind tends to gravitate towards negative things, especially during the summer. Car repairs are expensive, and cash is tight right now, so I’m automatically worried that something will go wrong with a vehicle. Second, when I’m busy, I tend to be concerned about things that require “slow-down” time to complete. This includes taking a vehicle to the mechanic for auto repairs. It also includes making the occasional Wal-Mart run, going to bed early, or cooking a healthy meal at home.
In other words, I tend to invent problems or complications that don’t exist. This is not helpful. It makes me cranky when I invent problems. It also takes me away from the things of God, which God provides as blessings in every moment of my life.
Do you ever invent problems, worries, or concerns? Does your mind wander into places that aren’t helpful or nonexistent? If so, you’re not alone. Lots of us do it. That’s not an excuse. Instead, I hope that voicing my common drawback will help me improve my issues and help you do the same.
Self-improvement is always a good thing and it’s always possible. The only one who must approve it is ourselves, and just in case any of us are waiting for the excuse to begin, consider this permissive article as the “Okay” to focus on positive things this summer.
Is your mind wandering now? Can you refocus? Good things are everywhere and God is at work in all things. And, no matter what chance or circumstance might bring, God will use it all for more good than we can imagine.
See you at the Chapel!
God Bless, Brock
“We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, CEB)
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