October 7, 2023 - The SUV

      When I started writing these blogs I committed to writing only when the Spirit moved me.  In the last week or so He was silent.  Until yesterday.
      It looks like my Explorer with 340,000 miles has moved to the “unreliable” status so I have been looking for another SUV.
      One caught my eye on a used car lot on the bypass here in Lawrenceburg.   After a couple of days I finally stopped to take a closer look.
      No salesman came out to pressure me even after I was on the lot for maybe 10 minutes.  I stepped into the office and spoke to the owner.   He grabbed the keys and we walked to the car so I could take a closer look.
      Rarely do I buy a car on the first look.  I needed to do some mulling.
      On Friday afternoon I finally had the chance to go back.  Same scenario as the first time.  I was on the lot for several minutes before I slipped into the office.
      The owner was sitting at his desk eating rice cakes with a cherry sauce on them.  I volunteered to let him finish his lunch or supper.  It was about four in the afternoon.
      His response was, “I’m good.  I don’t eat big meals but maybe 10 small ones each day.”  I thought that was strange.
      I test drove the SUV.  Though it has some years and some miles, it would be the nicest car that I have ever had.  My biggest concern was getting the phone to connect to the screen.
      When I returned from the test drive he said to me, “Why don’t you drive it home and take the time to connect your phone.”
      After being around him twice I was pretty sure that he was a believer.  He has a gentle spirit.  He then said to me, “I run this business on a handshake.”
      Things then dramatically changed.  We hadn’t exchanged names until now.  I noticed the cross that Tom was wearing.
      In the next several minutes we shared part of our lives.   Tom eats 10 small meals a day because two years ago he had oral cancer.  He endured radiation and surgery to remove part of his tongue.  When you listen closely you can tell it is difficult for him to speak.   The cancer that I fear the most is oral cancer as a pastor and preacher.
      We both shared stories of how God used others to speak to us when we were at low points in our cancer treatments.  We both know the power of the prayers of others.
      I shared with him about Daybreak.  Though he is about my age he is helping some others plant a church in Lawrencesburg. 
      When I was ready to head home so Teresa could see the SUV, Tom, who is over six feet tall, reaches out his arms and we hug each other.  I am more than confident that I have never hugged a car salesman who was trying to sell me a car.
      I have a new friend, but more importantly a new brother.  Whether I buy the car or not will not determine if this is the last encounter I have with Tom.
      I am, however, in somewhat of a dilemma.  My two natures are clashing.  I am not thinking of the new man I am in Christ Jesus clashing with the old man I used to be.  Those two natures are at odds every day. 
      I am thinking of my new nature in Christ Jesus clashing with my “thinking wholesale” in most financial transactions.  Most car salespersons don’t want to deal with me.  It took us several hours of negotiating when we purchased Teresa’s Edge.
      I just can’t see me beating up Tom for a few hundred dollars.  He may need it more than I do.
      Maybe I am becoming more like Jesus. 
      The jury is still out on whether we will purchase the SUV or not.