Dear Friends in Christ,

    Well, folks say you shouldn't get emotionally attached to "stuff," and in general, I'm in complete agreement with that. With one exception. I've had a faithful companion for eleven years: my 1997 Ford Ranger step-side gloss-black pickup truck, and last week I had to bid it goodbye. Not by choice, I grant you. I met some marvelous folks from up in the mountains on my way to Winston-Salem for a doctor's appointment, and we met by accident, the end result of which was the total loss of my faithful source of transportation. And it seems I'm not the only one missing it. Baine Ballard has been wandering around the Rehobeth parking lot and yard since he was a baby, of course accompanied by one or both of his grandparents, Kenton and Janice Stutts. I had no idea that over these past three years he had been taking note of the fact that if that Black Ranger was in the parking lot, I was in the office.

     Young kids are wonderful in the things they pick up. Somewhere along the way, Baine heard someone refer to me as "Preacher Bob" and it sounded to him like "Bigger Bob." So that's what he calls me. I kind of like that, being all of 5'7" tall (I tell folks that I used to be six feet tall and that gravity has just pulled me down, but alas, no one believes my tall tale.) When Baine came to church the Sunday following my Ranger's demise, he took notice of its absence "Where's Bigger Bob Truck?" he asked.

     I guess I miss my Ranger for a few really good reasons. It was always dependable, comfortable to be with, helped me get where I needed to to, and was able to handle whatever I asked of it. For 246,000 miles it ran smoothly, all the way to Florida and back more times that I can count. How is it that it was so dependable? Well, I'm going to tell you, and there are some spiritual life lessons to be found in this as well. (Why doesn't that surprise you?)

     The first reason it was so dependable was because I maintained it well. Every 3,000 miles, out with the old oil, in with the new, changing the filter as well. It's what kept the internal parts working smoothly and well. When a little something did go wrong, I had it repaired immediately before it could damage any other internal parts. And when I washed it (black really shows dirt), it just seemed to run and ride better. And, when I needed it to protect me, it was equipped to cushion me against injury. Wow! Can't you just hear the spiritual parallels about to come next?

     Spiritually, our hearts beg for the same attention. If we neglect to maintain our spiritual balance, all kinds of difficulties can arise in life, and we will be ill equipped to handle the challenges that we may face from time to time. Bible study, fellowship and other believers, worship---all these are like changing the oil and they provide a means to filter out those things that are destructive to our commitment to live our lives as children of God. When something does go wrong (we sin, slip and fall, or aren't our best selves), forgiveness and renewal are available to repair our broken spirits and get us back on the right track. And when we hit the wall, something so powerful and hurtful threatens our very lives, prayer is there to cushion us, protect us, and enable us to not only survive but overcome. And some times, we just need to be washed clean, don't we?

     I'm looking for a replacement for my Ranger. But there is no replacement for a vital, well-nurtured relationship with Jesus Christ. Seek it with all your heart. You'll find it. And he will be with you forever.

May God bless you with Grace and Peace,

Bob

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