Don't Burn A Hole!

Those of us blessed to live in areas that get real winters have heard it many times, some fool trying to get out of a parking spot who doesn't know how to do it and refuses to get help. They rev their engine and accellerate until they burn themselves into a huge rut that makes it even more difficult for them to rise out.

We got about a foot of snow overnight in Chicago. Since my early morning appointment was cancelled I laid in bed for awhile this morning and read about half of Dan Allender's Book, To Be Told: Know Your Story, Shape Your Future. One of Allender's points was that we need to join with God in writing our story and not let the curcumstances of our lives keep us in a rut.

Then I carried out a potato chip bag clip to use to shovel out my car because I couldn't find my brush and scraper. The street was busy with guys from the neighborhood shoveling out cars and sidewalks. One of them offered to shovel out my car. I showed him my chip clip and told him I would love it if he would clear off my car for me and offered to pay him. He and his friend adamantly refused to take any money saying we are all neighbors and this is what neighbors do.

I got in and started warming up the car as they cleared off my windows and shoveled a path for my tires. I rolled down my window to thank them as I rocked my car back and forth to get out of the parking space. They joked that I clearly knew how to drive and it dawned on me, "Life's alot like that", I quipped. Don't burn yourself into a hole!" We can burn ourselves into a life rut that's hard to get out of. We choose the security, refuse to face change, and end up stuck in boring routines devoid of real meaning. So, my word for today is, DON'T BURN A HOLE!

And by the way, I LOVE my neighbors!