Thankful Thursday: Car Troubles

The idea that God does things solely for the sake of His own glory is controversial to say the least.

When we hear of someone who does something for the sake of glory, we think of a grandstanding athlete or a self-aggrandizing despot.

But God’s pursuit of His own glory couldn’t be further from those.

While the glory-seeking man knocks over everyone else in his pursuit of fame, the glory-seeking God-of-the-Universe sets everyone and everything aright in His pursuit of glory.

This week, I’ve had opportunity to see God’s glory on display.

This week I’m thankful…

…for providential timing
It “just so happened” that I started home from work early on Monday, intending to work from home. Which meant that the towing company and the car mechanic were both still open (and in regular hours) when my car broke down and needed their services.

…for the kindness of strangers
God has placed His image on humanity–and one of the evidences of that is the compassionate impulse to help. A man and his daughter were very kind to push me from the intersection where my car was stopped into a nearby parking spot.

…for the body at work
When my car broke down, my first thought was to call Cathy. At that point, I hadn’t even stopped to consider what she could do for me–but I called her. She and Erik came right over, picked me up, took me to the towing place and recommended a mechanic.

…for a flexible workplace
While I’m not always grateful for my continuous connection to work, in this case, it was beneficial. I sent off an e-mail from my laptop to the next day’s building, letting them know that I’d be working from home. As it turned out, working from home meant I could get a fair bit of work done at work–and still get my laundry caught up.

…for Jon
When it became obvious that I would NOT have my car back to drive to my Wednesday morning doctor’s appointment in Norfolk, I called (errr…texted) for help. On multiple occasions over the past several years, Jon has been wonderful to loan his car to damsels in distress–and I am a grateful most recent recipient of his largess.

…for friends I can trust
When the mechanic said it was the timing belt, and that it undoubtedly did damage to the engine, I needed someone to give me an opinion. My friend Robin (of Simply the Best Autos) was the logical first stop. “Robin,” I begged, “should I bother trying to fix it or do I just buy a new car?” A lot of people might be worried asking that question to a used-car salesman–but I know Robin well and trust him implicitly. He is invariably honest–and will do everything in his power to do right by me (regardless of how it affects him.)

…for making life decisions together
Although Daniel and I are not yet married, we’re in the process of melding our lives. The new car I’ll be buying (yes, I do just need to buy a new car) will be my car–but it’ll also be our car. I don’t make these decisions on my own any more. What’s more, I can’t just delegate like I used to–telling Dad and Robin what kind of money I had for a car and having them pick one out for me. This time, I’m making this decision with someone, only not with him. He will be in Missouri at a funeral, I will be in Lincoln buying a car. Yet it is a decision we have discussed, have made together.

I’m so thankful that God, in His sovereignty, has orchestrated the details of Luci’s (my car) dying, such that He might display His glory. And is it not His glory that is on display when a dozen people come together to love and serve one another? And that is what I have seen, and what I am thankful for this week.