Everything Wrong with Me
Today’s message is not merely a confession but also a cautionary tale. Usually, I would not drag someone else down with me, but “Sam” was my able accomplice and indicates I am not alone in my compulsions.
Sam and I were bike riding when we noticed a car stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire. Sam, a leader in our church, suggested we do our duty and assist the distressed motorist who informed us he could not remove the spare tire from his van.
Without (i) a moment’s hesitation, (ii) listening to another word, or (iii) any knowledge, I declared the spare was under the rear of the van and headed to retrieve it. After searching in vain for a couple of minutes, I finally received what I had ignored during my futile search: the driver saying the spare was under the side of the van.
Do you react without completely listening to the description of the issue?
Armed with this previously ignored information, we searched the floorboard for the opening that permitted access to the release mechanism. Despite our unbridled enthusiasm, we could not locate it and considered the solution might require removing the rear bench seat. At this point, we finally relented and opened the instruction manual.
Do you rely on your understanding and disregard the resources available to assist you?
As you might expect, the solution did not require deconstructing the car; the manual indicated we could access the release nut through a flap in the carpet. We set upon the floor with renewed vigor but still could not locate it. After this frantic effort, we paused, stepped back, and let the light of day shine on the situation. The sun’s rays illuminated a previously unseen but obvious seam we could peel back to reveal the release nut.
Do you fixate on a solution without pausing to obtain a complete perspective?
With the nut exposed, I began cranking the wrench like drilling an oil well while Sam relentlessly encouraged me to keep turning. With Sam’s loud exhortations and my huffing and puffing, we could barely hear our unfortunate beneficiary tell us he could remove the spare. Ironically, the nut has a fool-proof design to prevent its loss by allowing loosening but not removal. Did the design engineer have us in mind?
Do you impose a heavy-handed solution when encouragement or a simple suggestion would do?
After mounting the tire on the wheel, I reached for the wrench to tighten the lug nuts. Before I could, our victim loudly protested, saying he did not want to interrupt our bike ride any further. I suspect his dismissal was motivated more by fear of impending disaster than concern for our exercise routine.
I can only imagine what he told his family. Rather than referring to the biblical tale of the Good Samaritan, he probably said he narrowly avoided the Titanic’s iceberg.
Your Answers
In pursuit of good intentions, apparent virtue interrupted our bike ride, but our actions revealed more ego than virtue. Afterward, instead of slapping each other on the back, we tucked our tails between our legs and pedaled away with much to contemplate.
I hope you can answer “never” to all the questions. Before today, Sam and I may have done so. Reflecting on the questions posed allows you to assess if your actions match your aspirations before replicating ours. If you need assistance formulating your answers, I recommend you review this blog post with your spouse or children.