Monday, May 21, 2007

AAA

Let me pass on some professional advice. If you are cruising up interstate 5 like I was on Thursday, and you are doing around 70 mph, and your car suddenly dies, here’s a list of things you might want to do.
1. Pray hard
2. Pull over fast
3. Hope the semi behind you is paying attention.

I did all three pretty much at the same time. I found myself on the side of the freeway, pondering what I should do. I thought about doing the guy thing and pop the hood and spend 10 minutes looking under it. I didn’t because quite frankly, I don’t really know what I’m looking for. I can check the oil but I was pretty sure that was not the problem.
I called AAA. I was happy because the guy on the other end of my cell phone said that I was a top priority because I was stuck along side a major freeway. I guess I would have been an extreme priority if I was in the MIDDLE of the freeway playing bumper cars with the semi’s. I was happy to be a top priority.

So, as I waited for the tow truck. I was marveling at AAA. I guess it stands for the American Automobile Association. As I write this article, I did a little research to find out what AAA. stands for. AAA could also stand for…

American Anthropological Association (I have an old car so I guess it would qualify)

American Accounting Association. (Perhaps they can help pay for my car!)

American Academy of Audiology (I had a hard time hearing the AAA guy on my cell phone. I had my car window open because it was hot)

As I sit in my office writing this, things worked out fine. I only waited 20 minutes for Bruce, my tow truck guy to rescue me. He was pretty cheerful despite the fact he was working overtime to tow me to Albany. Joni and Angie came down to get me. We stopped by my Mon’s house in Albany and even mooched dinner from her. (Mom’s are good that way).

I say all of this to say that in this troubled world, AAA can stand for...

Always Ask Assistance Psalm 46:1-4 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”

Isn’t it great that our God, who can deal with moving mountains and rushing waters, can help a preacher in a broken down ford on the freeway? AAA can also stand for…


Almighty Assistance Assurance Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

AAA, besides towing offers insurance and route trips for vacations. In their expanded package the offer expanded towing (to Molalla) and even serve you breakfast in bed. (Okay, maybe not, but they do offer a lot.)

I didn’t care. They got me a tow truck and took care of me. Road side assistance is great. God sized assistance is even better.

And I don’t even need a cell phone!

Monday, May 14, 2007

If I Die Tomorrow

If I die tomorrow,
There are questions I would ask
I would ponder how good a job I did
As I went about life’s tasks.

Did I truly accept Jesus Christ
As My Savior and my Lord?
Was I an active part of my local church?
Was I regular in His Word?

If I die tomorrow,
Two questions enter my mind.
“How well did I treat others?”
“Was I generous and kind?”

If I die tomorrow.
Will people say of me
“He was so encouraging
And uplifting as could be?”

If I die tomorrow,
Just how did I spend my time?
Was it well invested in others,
Or was it selfishly all mine?

But I may not die tomorrow
I know not when the day.
But I resolve to live my life
As if I only had one day.

For one day is really all I have
For yesterday is past,
And tomorrow may never come.
Today may be my last.

So how will YOU spend today?
Will you be focused on yourself?
Or will you depend on Jesus Christ
For your direction and Your help?