Changing Gears

Did you ever drive a car with a "stick shift?"  Used to be, that's the only way cars and trucks were made!  I imagine none of my grandchildren ever saw, let alone, drove, a car with a stick shift!  It was work!  Every stop, every corner, every big hill up or down, the driver had to push in the "clutch" on the floor and shift with the right hand at the same time.

My mother tried to teach me how to drive with her old '49 Chevy.  The stick shift was hard to operate and only she knew where the gears were.  I didn't catch on and she gave up.  Dad had just bought a '60 Ford with an automatic transmission, and then taught me quickly and easily how to drive.

Several years ago I knew an old man who wanted a new Chevy with a stick shift.  They were no longer made that way so he had to order it custom-made.  He proudly explained, "I want to drive my car, not just point it."  It ended up taking him many months to get his new car because, "Every month or so, the factory would call and ask if I really wanted it." Finally, he got the car.

Personally, I'd rather "point" the car, using the automatic transmission.  I think there are enough distractions on the road without adding another one.

Today, I have changed gears in my life!  It's a small change, from warm-weather life in summer to chilly-weather life in the fall and winter.  Outside temp will be in the 40's tomorrow, so I've turned back on the furnace.  Speaking of old things, I remember when my mother had to shovel coal into the huge furnace in the basement with the big, round spider-like ducts going to the ceiling.  To be able to turn a dial to turn on the gas furnace was a wonderful luxury when we got it!

It's also very rainy and windy.  I don't feel 'stuck' inside.  I love it!  I made a long list of small jobs that are overdue in completing.  I've been busy all day.

At times, there are other major 'gear changes' in our lives - new jobs, getting married, having a child, or having another child. major accident or illness, moving all our stuff to another place, getting fired, having a death in the family, big celebrations like graduations, weddings, and on and on.  At those times, we may just have to sit back and consider the implications on our lives: for better or worse?

We CAN handle all changes, for better or worse!  Sometimes we need the help of family, friends, or professionals, or all of them.  Sometime we ourselves will be on the helping end.  That's life!

Dear Lord, our busy lives are never, ever boring or dull.  We want to do your work and you give us plenty.  Thank you!