A few weeks ago, I had to go back to my hometown to get a used car my family was giving us. On the way there, I mentally went over what I had to do. I confidently reviewed to myself that I would get the title, go to the license bureau and super quick be on my way before noon.
As you might realize that is not what happened. It started with running late and then I had to go to the mechanic and get the car. I don’t know if Sikeston has a country mechanic or not. This is a man who is skilled, and everyone loves to use but builds his shop out in the country by his house. It is a place that not even the GPS can find and takes a lot of gravel roads to get to.
My dad tried to explain where it was, but my sister-in-law came along and showed me. After I arrived and got the car I thought, I am amazed I don’t need an updated passport as it’s farther than Africa.
Then I went to my sister in-law to get the title and of course at the office I learned we signed the wrong line and needed the bill of sale form.
After getting that done, I returned to the license bureau. As I reached down to grab the form, I learned I should not have set the form on the floor by the spilled water bottle as I had to get another (non-wet) one filled out.
Finally, after the noon hour, I was finished getting it registered and heading back to Sikeston.
As I reflect on this process, I summarized a few points to remember in the future.
Number one is cars take time even when I think they won’t. Proverbs 27:1- “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”
Never be surprised when things don’t go according to my plan as I really don’t know what the future holds. At the same time, it is a great idea to get all the facts. If I had just took time to read the title better or do a basic information research about the title, I would have known where we were to sign.
Also, I think another nugget to remember is water is great to drink, but it really doesn’t go well with paper.
The final point that I think is worth mentioning is the importance of staying calm and not letting a situation destroy your peace of mind. When I was driving around getting everything taken care of, I kept calm.
On the contrary, there has been to many times that I have let those situations get me all riled up like the Looney Toons Tasmanian Devil (spinning around). It can not be understated about the value of staying mentally calm in a stressful situation.
The final lesson is with country mechanics always have someone show you where their office is as you can’t do directions by any reference to it’s by old (fill in deceased famer’s) place.
In all of this make sure you are saved. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36)
This Sunday at 6 p.m. Mitch Pullen will be preforming in concert at the First Baptist Church (1101 N. Main St.).
If you have a question you would like answered for future columns email mathewvroman@gmail.com.