Last Friday my car officially passed out of my life. It has been dying for some time and the end finally came. It was sad for me, but part of life too.
I've learned a lot from that car--starting with the princial lesson that I learned from sad experience. Never use your own logical reasons to talk yourself out of following the Spirit's promptings. I believe in using logic, but when it contradicts the Spirit, follow the Spirit. If I had listened to the Spirit, I would never have bought this car and would have saved myself a lot of trouble over the years. But, it's a lesson I'm glad I learned vividly, to save me from other mistakes.
And, that said, I'm grateful for my little car and the fun, fun times together. We've traveled thousands and thousands of miles together, have been to at least 11 states (more?)--and most of those many times over, have traveled high and low, fast and slow. National parks, church history sites (including 3 weeks in Nauvoo), off roading, and a whole lot of on-roading. I've carried only myself many times. But I've also transported family, friends, princesses and more. Up to 9 people comfortably fit in my car; well, at least they fit. I've also carried my worldy possessions way too many times. I've lived out of my car for a ridiculous amount of months. And while most of that time I did have a bed, couch, something to sleep on, I have spent a few nights just in the car (even at least one night with more than one person sleeping in it. good times, Reno).
That car has more idiosyncrasies than most people. If you've known it you know about the speedometer/odometer, the interior lights, the puddles and lakes, the noises, the high quality radio system, and more. You may remember reading about about its heart transplant. I've blogged about the car more than once, because it's been an important part of my life.
It has enabled me to serve so many people. And has enabled me to be served! (thanks, if any of you have been rescuers!).
Besides all the great memories and unique features, I think I'm especially attached to my car because of the period of my life that we've been through together. I got it right before I graduated from college and it was my trusty steed through my vacationing and then working/living in Arkansas, then through law school, and back for another round in Arkansas. It's intricately connected to my memories in those periods of life and has been the home of many revelations from that time. It may sound strange to some, but I truly do love my little car.
And tears were shed on the way to the salvage yard, but I felt peace too. Like so many things in life, the timing of my car was a tender mercy for me. In just the last few months my car has been dying. I'm pretty sure it was supposed to die a couple of months ago. But Heavenly Father helped me keep it running while I finished up my time in Arkansas (including a few long trips in it). The morning that I left town to go to my parents', it started acting up. Then it died. A few more steps, spent the night with family friends in Alma, then got it to the salvage yard the next day. As I rode away (Hyrum came to rescue me), I reflected on the niceness of the timing. An era in my life is closing and so losing my car is not nearly as sad. I'd planned on leaving it at my parents anyway, so the good-bye was near at hand. I really feel like the Lord has watched out for me and arranged this, as he does so many things in life, and I feel the Spirit whisper that he loves me!
Good-bye, little green car!
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