I was in the used car lot staring at the convertible. It was black with white interior. The first thought that came was, “Are you in mid-life crisis, you are supposed to be looking for a work truck not a sports car?” But I could not take my eyes off it.
As I walked slowly around I heard a voice saying, “Sporty isn’t it? Just got that beauty in. One owner who took care of it like a baby.” “Grrr”, I thought a used car salesman, last person I wanted to talk to, but I heard myself asking, “Is the sticker price your bottom line?” pointing at the $4000.00 tag in the window. He grew silent and with all the fake sincerity he could muster said, “Well, I would have to speak to my boss about that. We might be able to work out something, but he is a stickler on keeping the bottom line.”
With that I feigned to walk away knowing what would happen. He immediately came up along side me and said with great bravado, “Hey, my friend, not so fast! I am sure I can convince him to shave at least one hundred bucks off that price.” When I shook my head he now was totally exasperated and let out a long breath, “Son, I want you to have this car, I can see you like it. Here is what I am willing to do. You hang on just a bit. I will talk to the boss, and I will tell him I am willing to lose my cut on this deal just, so we can get you a price you can feel good with. What do you think?” I shrugged non-committedly still following knowing it was all hot air, but I wanted that car. Within an hour I was driving away in the convertible not knowing how that car was about to change my life.
As soon as I got it home I noticed that there was an inordinate amount of smoke coming from the tailpipe. I guess I had noticed it in the lot but ignored it, blinded by the idea of the car more that it’s condition. Even now all I could think about was taking it down to the bar where I hung out and letting the afternoon crowd oww and ahh over my new wheels. I did just that and as I thought they were impressed. Girls who had never talked to me before wanted a ride and I was so happy to oblige. By the end of that week, I was dating one of those girls, she really loved my car.
About three months later the thrill of the car had worn off. The girls had moved on to the next ‘new thing’ and the car that I had bought with hard earned money was having mechanical problems. In the shop often the bills began to pile up, I knew in my heart I had bought a lemon, but still wanted it to be my car.
It was on Labor Day of that year, I had decided to drive the convertible to the bar and see if anyone wanted to take a drive into the desert and do some partying. Having no takers, I proceeded to have a few drinks. By two in the afternoon I was drunk and still looking for a party. A couple who owned a ranch not far out of town came in and told me they would be having a bar-b-que starting at around five and I should drop in. So, I continued to drink until about four-thirty. Throwing a ten on the bar for a tip, I heard the bartender say as I headed toward the door, “John, don’t drive I bet the cops know your car has been parked here all day. Becky is going to the James’ place in about fifteen minutes ride with her.” I laughed and said, “No I want to ride with the top down I am taking the ‘vert’. As soon as I pulled out of the parking lot I saw the blue lights flashing. I was nailed!
Did you ever want something so bad that you ignored all the warning signs and went after it? Whew, I know I have so many times I could write a book just about them. I remember all the way back when I was a kid wanting a certain bike so bad that I was willing to beg, borrow or steal to get it. I mean that literally. And as I grew into a man it only got worse. I had no moral compass to direct my compulsions and impulses. I did not have the Word of God to guide me. And folks, without it none of us can steer through the waters of this life. It took me a long time to know this, but I am blessed I do now.
These days I still have many times when I feel like leaping before I look. Even when I am seeking to serve the Lord. But I am blessed that daily I have made it a habit to spend time in the Word and in prayer. Many of you know this verse from Psalms, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105) I like reminding myself of it often, I recommend it to you.
That little convertible ended up costing me so much more than the sticker price. After my arrest for drunk driving I learned that the arresting officer knew my car and was waiting to be sure I did not drive after being in that bar for almost seven hours. I shelled out a lot of cash, along with losing my license for a year and jail time to boot. The car was soon undrivable anyways, a blown engine and ended up in the scrap heap. I had wanted something so bad I was willing to be compromised. I paid a heavy price. The things of this world can still tempt me, but I know they are fleeting. I want to end today with this saying from our Lord and Savior, I think it says it all, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:23) From His Word to our ears today!
Blessings, John
8/27/18
