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Have you checked your tires lately? Are they properly inflated? Do they have plenty of tread remaining for good grip on the road? Are they wearing evenly?
It’s dangerous out there on the roadways, my friends! And while we can’t completely guarantee our safety and that of our loved ones, there are some things we can do to increase the likelihood that we will arrive safely at our destinations. Things like: don’t text and drive … obey the posted speed limit and other warning signs … stay focused … properly maintain your vehicle.
I’d like to offer tire maintenance as a life metaphor. Our tires are literally where the rubber meets the road. How can metaphoric tire maintenance help us increase the likelihood of safe travel on the journey of life?
I’d like to offer a three-point inspection plan.
A tire that doesn’t have enough air is more likely to fail. Many newer model vehicles have a tire pressure warning light that shows up on the dashboard even though the tire may not look any different at first glance. That warning light tells us the tire needs closer inspection so that we can restore proper pressure before a crisis occurs.
Ignoring inflation until you walk out the door and find a tire flat on the ground is a good way to mess up a day.
Wouldn’t it be great if life came with warning lights? Warning! You’ve been going and going, pushing and pushing, driving and driving, chasing whatever you are chasing, and it has been far too long since you stepped back and took a deep breath.
You need to be refreshed, restored and inspired (that word means “breathed into”) on a regular basis or you will find yourself flat or even blown out by the side of the road wondering what went wrong.
Tires out of balance can produce a wobbly ride. A life out of balance can create a sense of vertigo or disequilibrium. Tire balance is restored through proper distribution of weight.
Life-balance is restored in the same way, by taking a close look at how much time, energy and focus you spend on your various life areas. Then, you can redistribute the weight as needed and restore a sense of equilibrium.
Tires out of alignment cause uneven wear and performance failure. Alignment has to do with direction. Misaligned tires are not moving effectively together in precisely the same direction and the result is friction, making progress more difficult.
A life out of alignment, where all the different pieces are not moving together toward a common vision, results in friction, uneven wear and premature failure. Restoring alignment gets all the “tires” (faith, family, work, play) moving effectively together in tandem so that a vehicle (life) is moving toward the desired destination.
The road of this journey is rough enough without the impediments we place on ourselves. We cannot control the condition of the roads on which we travel. We can choose to keep a closer watch on tire maintenance so that we are prepared for the most challenging terrain.
Life-balance is knowing what belongs and what is essential to the life you want to live.
Life-alignment is knowing where you are going and how to travel well.
Life-inspiration (inflation) is taking the reflection time necessary to know what adjustment is most needed at this point in the journey.
Check your tires, drive well and embrace the journey.
Photo source: istock
 | Dr. Gerry Lewis serves as Executive Director of the Harvest Baptist Association in Decatur, Texas. He is also Founder and CEO of YLM Resources, which includes Next Step Coach-Sulting and Life Matters Publications. He is also an author of four books, including Why Bible Study Doesn't Work. He and his wife live in Azle, Texas and have two grown children and three (so far) grandchildren. His weekly Life Matters blog and Your Church Matters podcast can be found at drgerrylewis.com. Learn More » |
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