UNDER THE HOOD
It looked like something from the old Addam’s Family TV show. If I hadn’t known it was black, I’d have thought it was supposed to be a chalky grey. It was adorned in cobwebs – new and old. I pawed at my face like a blind bear trying to pull the invisible and evasive spider webs from my face and mouth as I approached the old beast.
Four and a half months of neglect left the beast looking neglected and homeless. “Man, I hope it hasn’t been too long,” I said with dread and laziness. “It could start?” My wife answered with hope. “I hope you’re right, but I doubt it,” I answered trying to sound more like a realist than the pessimist sulking right below the surface.
I unlocked the door and crawled inside – the dome light lit hope inside of me for enough juice to spark life into the old beast. I closed the dusty door to shut the interior lights off in order to conserve every bit of precious life left in the groggy battery. I slid the key in, exhaled in hope, placed my foot over the accelerator to be ready to pump the daylights out it if need be.
It’s funny how a person acts in a physical way when it’s not in their physical control to begin with. I subconsciously tightened my jaw, furrowed my brow, tensed my body, and white knuckled the steering wheel with my left hand, “C-mon!” I whispered to the old SUV that is only used when something needs to be hauled.
I haven’t given any support or care to the old beast but still expected it to be there for me – actually demanded it. “C-mon, C-mon!” I said getting louder with each word as I turned the key, “Waw… Waw…Waw-Waw-Waw-Waw-Waw-Waw-Waw-Click-Click-Click-Click-Click-Click-Click…”Brow rests, jaw slacks, blood rushes back into the fingers, chin drops to the chest in regret and remorse.
It almost started, just not quite enough juice to bring the old beast to life. “Oh, man!” I groaned… Why don’t I think ahead and back it in if I’m going to abandon the old beast?” I asked my silly self. I popped the dusty hood, ripping Spiderman’s home in half in the process. Great… Rats nests all over the engine compartment, the biggest one on top of the battery… Rat feces all around…
“I hope the rats haven’t chewed through the wires,” I told my wife en route to dig out the trickle charger and electrical cord. It dawned on me that the old beast and I have a few things in common. When we don’t get the proper care that gives life from our Master – the dirty things of this world move in and take over… If left unattended death is imminent.
The old beast doesn’t have free will, but I do…Neglect, laziness, and apathy are the breeding grounds for the poisonous and filthy enemies of our spiritual lives… A peek under the hood of our hearts will reveal the hand of the Father or disgusting remains of this world’s treasures…
Sunday, April 14, 2013 @ 6:04 pm
Oh it is going to be real quiet here! Your new share bar blocked your post, but I sort of got the idea. Good to get a tune up for us also. Thanks Floyd.
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 4:44 pm
I know, I gotta work on getting that thing moved! Sorry, Hazel. Thanks for trying. I appreciate the feedback!
Sunday, April 14, 2013 @ 7:34 pm
What a great reminder. I have an old car in our yard that needs some attention. Every time I look at it now I’ll be reminded of what happens when I don’t meet with the master. Great metaphor, Floyd.
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 4:45 pm
Thanks, Chuck. Yeah! I wouldn’t wait! Man was it ugly cleaning it up! Made for an easy connection to the truth though!
Sunday, April 14, 2013 @ 8:19 pm
Thank you for this great reminder Floyd. I always remember my commitment to God and I am glad you reminded me today. Its so easy to neglect and forget and get into our daily worldly tasks. But he is still waiting on us to seek his face again. Proverbs 30:8 reminds me of this;
Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 9:17 am
AMEN, Lincoln. Amen! Preach It!
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 4:55 pm
Right? Love it when I see our Father’s hand moving in us!!!
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 4:46 pm
Yes, well said, Lincoln. To seek our Father means a lifetime of peace regardless of the worldly circumstances. Thanks, man.
Sunday, April 14, 2013 @ 10:38 pm
Dear Floyd
Great humor, yet such important truth in your analogy! I have found that a terrible sadness envelopes my heart whenever I neglect spending time in the Presence of our Pappa alone. Although I am always walking with Him, I need those times in quiet stillness with Him to be “working” the way I am supposed to! It is so nice to see through a man’s eye! Refreshingly new, thank you.
Blessings
Mia
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 4:48 pm
Thanks, Mia. This truly was a great reminder for me… Looking at the mess under that hood reminded me of the mess of my heart if the Master isn’t called on to do what He longs for… Make us clean and whole… Just saying that makes me feel clean!
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 3:05 am
What a great analogy Floyd! Why should I expect my unkept heart to stay fresh when I neglect it or allow cobwebs to take over? Did you ever get it started? BTW: what is that share thingy that follows my move down the page?
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 9:18 am
Yes, Floyd…..What is that floaty share thingy?
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 4:57 pm
I’m sorry, Jillie! I’m taking some heat today for it! I had a buddy add it who said I should have it… I’ll see if I can get it moved today! Sorry, and thanks for hanging with the technologically challenged guy!
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 4:51 pm
Exactly, Bill. Neglect of our spirit is no different than the neglect of the physical things of this world… actually worse I think. And yeah, I did get it started and the rats didn’t chew through any wires. I also went and got some rat poison too!
I buddy of mine added that scrolling thing. I gotta get him to move it or delete it. One of my other friends told me last night that she couldn’t read it! Huge bummer! I’m on it, sir! Thanks, Bill.
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 5:28 am
Another great metaphorical piece, Floyd. I hate to think of rats living inside me, but I know I have my share of dirt to deal with too. But I believe that God’s grace is boundless to those who seek it, and maybe even others, too.
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 4:52 pm
Couldn’t agree more, Dan. We really have to do so little to see our Father’s over generous hand of grace. This was just a good reminder for me to seek Him in all things. Thanks, Dan.
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 6:20 am
You captured us again with your great story telling metaphorically. It amazes me how you can draw truth out so many things. Oh I hate rats…good reminder. Well written brother.
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 4:55 pm
Oh, man. You and me both, Betty. The idea of the filth being that close to where I sit! Too much! I really think God put me in that situation to remind me of my duty to draw nigh unto Him. Thinking of how polluted the world and our flesh can be without His light living and acting within us motivation and peace giving. Thanks, Betty.
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 9:27 am
Yes, as expressed, great metaphor Floyd! I always admire people who see the spiritual in the everyday stuff of life. It’s a gift, and you have it.
I can’t relate much to vehicles and the operation and maintenance of them, but I can certainly apply this to the mysterious workings of the human body…mine, in particular. After several years of basically being a ‘slug’ and not eating really well, I’ve run into a couple of problems recently through blood test results. Now I’m HAVING to follow a better eating plan AND…EXERCISE (Oye!) in order to ward off diabetes. I think I’m still running under the delusion that I’m perpetually 30 years old and can do anything I want and still be healthy. Pfff. Reality check!
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 5:01 pm
You know that’s an excellent metaphor as well, Jillie! The cause and effect is so real and yet all of us so struggle with it… I too believe that I’m eternally thirty three, even though absolutely every thing else in life shows me the truth!
Hang with the exercise, if you’ll do it for three months straight, it will become habit… We all have habits… All we can do is try to use our God given wisdom to have them be the good kind! I’m with you, you’re not alone. And thanks for another idea for a post!
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 10:09 am
Di9tto on the share bar, BUT, you’ve made me think about the saying “nature abhors a vacuum.” The world is so much more persistent and aggressive than we think.!
Blessings,
Voni
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 5:03 pm
Whoa! That will make a person think! I like that. While we sleep and lounge the world is at work destroying all we’ve built… powerful stuff, Voni. We must be on guard… No wonder Paul used the analogy of a suit of armor! Thanks, Voni, and I’ll have that sliding “nuisance bar” removed or moved soon!
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 10:37 am
One of the books I’m currently reading is “Awakening” by stovall Weems. Just last night I read about how we often think our home are clean but then we do our spring cleaning and realize just how gross our homes are. He said our spiritual lives get clogged up like that as well. Fasting helps us clean out our hearts, minds, and lives so God can have His rightful place.
you’re post reiterated that message for me. Thank you!
I don’t want any rats nests in my life.
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 5:05 pm
I like that analogy too. And yeah, rats nests are disgusting! We have orange trees in the backyard and the rats love em’. Our little dog Lola uses them as snacks every now and then… Cleaning that up is no picnic either! Well said. Thanks, TC.
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 10:47 am
Love it, Floyd. The blessing and curse of free will, right? I’ll just leave it at that. 🙂 Great analogy here. Thank you. I want to keep up with that proper heart maintenance!
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 5:07 pm
Yes!!! We so under estimate the gift of free will! It is such the double edged sword! The neglect breeds the ugliness of this world… I should have taken a picture… Although it was revolting… but what a lesson… Thanks, Jason.
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 12:32 pm
Great analogy. I confess I have way too many cobwebs under my hood and don’t check into the garage often enough to let the Mechanic get me really well tuned-up.
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 5:09 pm
I think we’re all in the same boat… or carpool lane, David. This motivated me to get a check up and tune up! Hope it inspires you too. Thanks for checking in, David. I appreciate your colorful commentary!
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 7:47 pm
A peak under the hood…it’s not pretty in there. But I’m glad God can see through us and clear out those rats. “If left unattended death is imminent.” Quite a statement of foreboding, but a definite truth. Thanks for sharing this, Floyd.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 @ 7:03 am
Thank you, lisa. The cleaning process isn’t pretty, but oh so necessary… A peek under the hood of our heart is telling to say the least.
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 10:04 pm
I don’t know why, but your post reminded me of the story of the camel merchant. After a hard days’ travel in the desert, he reclines in his tent. He’s hungry and grabs his bag of dates and starts munching. Something is not quite right, so he lights a lamp and looks into the bag. He discovers maggots among the dates. After a bit, he puts out the light, reclines once again and begins munching on the dates.
How did “not seeing” the worms make the situation any different? God shines His light so we SEE the things that might be harmful or a hindrance for us. He wants us to make a change, but many times, we are content to leave things unattended and go back to feasting on that which is questionable. Or in your case….leave them totally unattended, and then expect a different outcome.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 @ 7:05 am
Great point and comment, Nancy. Reality doesn’t change by sticking our head in the sand… it usually makes it worse, just puts off the inevitable. Cleaning the poison and filth our of our hearts is an ongoing process in this fallen soul cage we walk around in… Thanks, Nancy. Great illustration!
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 10:06 pm
Neglect, laziness, and apathy are the breeding grounds for all kinds of problems. Especially on the spiritual front.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 @ 7:06 am
Agree, Mike. Maybe more problematic than the things we can see! The most powerful things aren’t what the world sees, but what we know… Thanks, Mike.
Monday, April 15, 2013 @ 11:24 pm
Moving the button helped a bit, but now the left side is blocked.
I do hope it helps you gain a larger following, because your posts are getting better all the time.
I deleted all the rest of my comments about this share button, because my mother told me to if I can’t say anything nice, to keep quiet. So quiet it is.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 @ 7:08 am
I value your feedback, Hazel and it helped prompt me to get it fixed. I know for sure if you say something there is truth in it, sister! No offense here at all! If you didn’t care, you wouldn’t say a thing. I value you, you know that. If you talk… I’m listening!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 @ 8:48 am
We need regular use and maintenance to keep us in tip-top shape. But we so often neglect it because there always seems like there will be tomorrow. But soon that turns into weeks and months – and then we’re filled with cobwebs.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 @ 12:24 pm
Exactly, Loren. We neglect without much thought until something drastic happens in our lives. Gotta keep the inside and the outside clean! Thanks, Loren.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 @ 4:35 pm
Thank you for sharing at “Tell Me a True Story” at: http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 @ 4:53 pm
My pleasure and honor, Hazel!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 @ 10:17 pm
WOW, another great and powerful post! It’s amazing how our heart condition can be revealed in weak moments. It’s wise to daily pray that God would protect and guard our hearts. I thank God He has changed our hearts and continues too.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013 @ 7:03 am
I’m thankful too, Dan. Our condition is the weakness of the flesh and all we allow in to it to dirty our hearts up. Sometimes real life physical examples are the easiest to learn from. Thanks a lot, Dan.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013 @ 5:44 pm
Great analogy Floyd. Thanks for linking up with us today.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013 @ 6:27 pm
Thanks, Shelly. My pleasure. And thanks for stopping by.
Thursday, April 18, 2013 @ 5:15 pm
Hi Floyd,
Nice to stop by here and join you in Duane and Shelly’s link up. “When we don’t get the proper care that gives life from our Master – the dirty things of this world move in and take over…” — good line.
Have a good week, Floyd.
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Sunday, April 21, 2013 @ 2:40 pm
Thanks, Jennifer. The good lines are the ones that have us nodding our heads… guess we’ve all been there and done that at one time or another along the way…
Thursday, April 18, 2013 @ 8:05 pm
Your last paragraph is true for you and me, and nearly everyone else. Without the Lord breaking into our ugly hearts, dry and deadly internal bits, we’d be a dark, unuseful, ruinful, member of the world. All I can count on is HIM!!! I’m one very grateful cookie!
Want to catch up with you soon, Floyd. With the retreat jobs on my plate today and tomorrow and then the retreat this weekend, I’m buried in just catching up with basic stuff. But miss you…
Bless you..
Friday, April 19, 2013 @ 7:05 am
I’m with on all of those perfect descriptions for myself as well, Joanne. I’m a grateful cake! I too have been buried the last couple of weeks which has forced me to only post twice a week. I need to catch up with you too. I’ll get to it. Thanks, Joanne. It’s always great to hear from you! I’m praying for you, sister.