I went outside at 9:45 this morning. Just enough time to get my daughter to church by 10:00. Surprise! Sometime during the night, my car had been broken into (again) and was now un-drivable. The would-be thief had taken pliers and a hammer to my ignition and steering column in order to jump-start it, thereby disabling my ability to get the key in and engine started! (You might be wondering how I know they used these particular tools. They were left sitting on my front seat! Bonus! My car is still here and I got new tools out of the deal!)
As I type, the tow-truck is attempting to get my less-than-functioning car out of the carport; made nearly impossible because he cannot get the steering wheel to release from locked position (another gift of the would-be thief) and the towing/turning angle may be too tight for him to maneuver.
In the midst of all this I’ve been aware of how I talk of the desert, of life’s heat, of the circumstances and situations that try our patience, not to mention our will, our stamina, our very ability to endure. None of it means much if I can’t actually apply it.
I’ve also been aware of how I’ve been been more bemused by the day’s events than frustrated by them. Either that means that I’ve gotten so used to the desert and its accompanying irritants that I can’t even tell when the heat ramps up a few more degrees; or, I’ve actually been able to maintain some kind of larger perspective (at least for today) that’s allowing me to somehow rest – and smile.
Either way, I’m grateful. People have been kind. My insurance company jumped right on all the necessary details. Neighbors have been gracious. The tow-truck driver is quite pleasant. My ex-husband has loaned me his car for the week ahead. And Abby was only 5 minutes late to church (with someone else driving her).
As a writer, I’m sometimes painfully aware of the ways in which my words contradict my own reality; times when the truths I work painstakingly to communicate are me preaching to the choir – totally/hopefully for my own benefit.
At least today my praxis matches my theory. And in this desert’s heat, companionship and counsel both have shown up – in spades (or a hammer and pliers).
Only after many trials for strength,
Only when all stimulants fail,
Does the aspiring soul
By its own sheer power
Find the divine
By resting upon itself.
(Edgar Lee Masters)
An unexpected way to experience such, but maybe I have found the divine today. In others’ kindness, in free tools, in an unsuccessful theft attempt, in a now-towed-away car, in the opportunity to practice what I preach. It’s (mostly) all good.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Everything happens for a reason and in your case you have experienced grace and generosity of the people around you. Life is all lessons.
So true, Walter. Some lessons are just a bit more frustrating (and expensive) than others. All the more grateful for the grace and generosity in the midst!
Ronna, please forgive me for this comment because God knows I wish you only the best. But the truth is that when I read about your car almost being stolen I had a little smirk on my face and a glint in my eye, and I said to myself “mmm…so it doesn’t only happen in South Africa?” People so often bash my beautiful country because of its high crime rate but this just proves that crime can happen anywhere in the world.
I hope you get your car sorted out soon.
.-= Tracy Todd´s last blog ..What Happened to You? =-.
I’m glad I could bring smirk to your face, Tracy. And just to broaden the grin, the car was actually stolen once before and it’s been broken into at least 5 or 6 times. And I live in a nice neighborhood! Craziness everywhere.
I’m so glad to hear you still have your car, even if you’ll be inconvenienced a little before it comes back. If it were me I’d be feeling scared and violated. I love how strong and in-your-stride you’re taking this.
Well, sadly, it’s not the first time. So my taking it in stride may just be practice! Thankfully, the repair will be done by tomorrow – and not too expensive. All good.