Extra rust, please

As teenagers, we often get the lower end of the deal, the… less expensive items than our parents. And for good reason, too! My parents have had 30 years more experience in life than I have, so when given responsibility over something of obvious less value, I should be thankful my parents are playing it safe, for as my sister can attest to… I can be rather reckless at times.

Sometimes it may amaze us how, when put into a situation that at first appears to be the absolute end of the world, we begin to feel at ease and even happy with our situation after becoming accustomed to it. And when it comes to me and my car, I can relate to this feeling of silly attachment. Let me introduce you to my car… it’s an ’86 Honda Accord with unique dents (all with a story to tell) and plenty of rust. It hasn’t been washed in… well, it hasn’t been washed, and the interior boasts unhealthy amounts of dust and tissues. Obviously, not high on the list of any teen who wants to look cool.

When I first started driving, I hated the slow acceleration, weak lights, and bad radio (which added very interesting sound affects to the music!) in our old car. But as time went on, the car proved to be faithful- despite harsh weather or anxious drivers- to get us from place to place. It was a car, and we learned to be thankful for it, despite it’s rusty, old appearance. After two years of driving, in the dust and heat, as well as ice and cold, I hadn’t realized until recently how emotionally attached I had become to it.

Dad bought a new one. It’s ten years younger than our Honda, and sports a CD player, comfortable interior, shiny exterior, and the AC even works!! But when it showed up in our driveway, suddenly I wanted my old, dented, purple car back.

Silly? Probably. But we all have things we get attached to (sometimes in a way that no one else can understand!), and the fact of the matter is; we all hate to let them go. I know I’ll get over selling our old car, and of course it’s not the end of the world. But when faced with change or loss, it helps to remember that Christ always stays the same and never leaves us. And the best part of it is; he’s even better than a rusty old car- He is perfect in His beauty and glory.

May I not look behind at the things of the past, but without hesitation step on the gas and accelerate ahead to the future of the glories that await me.