Cars like me..

I met up with a friend in Colorado Springs this morning. Car shopping wasn't in our plans, but after i got a return call from the owner of a 1972 Datsun 240z, he kindly offered to drive me to see the car. This former beauty had certainly seen better times, being one of the finest sports cars of it's day. Now in a critically sad state, it's paint faded and body mutilated by an unqualified surgeon, she somehow cried out for a new master to restore this 240z patient to her former health and glory. And regardless of how deep my compassion may have been, i just knew i wasn't qualified for this job.

Next we headed down to see a 1984 Jaguar XJ6. A sweet looking car, the series III is arguably the most beautiful XJ6 of all. From a distance the misty blue car looked gorgeous, though a closer inspection showed cosmetic flaws covered by a cheap overspray paint job. Like an old wrinkled face, covered by a thin layer of make-up that somehow just doesn't quite enhance the subject's true beauty. Jags tend to be finicky too, and can let you down at the most critical moments. Even though she had been maintained well, Jag's inherent character would certainly continue to demand high amounts of attention in the future... kinda like some people i know...

Earlier in the day, i also viewed a 1960 Corvair sedan. It's long rough journey was clearly evident in the dings and dents throughout it's body, though it's sheet metal seemed to be solid and relatively rust-free... at least until you discover it's rusted out floor. You just don't notice some things at first glance..

I started wondering how much we're like these cars. A cool Corvair, that seems solid but the bottom's rusted out,.. a beautiful Jag, though not the most cooperative,.. or perhaps like that 240z with great potential, if only it hadn't been neglected and mutilated by an unskilled wannabee...

Each of these cars needed the skills of a master craftsman to bring them back to life. Someone to sand down that cheap 'whitewash' paint-job, and apply a deeper luster to it's finish. A craftsman who could properly restore the floor, foundation, the soul and the body, not just apply Bondo patch upon patch.

Do we realize that a true restoration takes painstaking detail and time? How often do we look for the quick fix, spray a cheap cover over the cracks and flaws in our lives? Of course, diligent maintenance could have saved each of these cars from their current state. The same is true with us. How we maintain our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being has a clear effect on our future state. Certainly something for us to think about...

Fortunately there is one master craftsman available who can restore our broken and faded lives. Even after we've crashed and burned, He can take our wreck and not only restore it, but create a beautiful roadworthy legacy that many could follow. And even though He is The Master Restorer, maintenance still remains our sole (and soul) responsibility...