I upholstered collector cars before I became a minister. As a car guy, I was fortunate to turn my hobby into a vocation. It was tedious and demanding, but I loved working on show-quality, classic automobiles. I would design upholstery from British leathers and shape custom-sewn convertible tops from German cloth. Since the shop was located at the house, my commute was a walk across the driveway—my Chuck Taylor Converses got a bazillion miles to the gallon!
One of the trickiest parts of operating the upholstery shop was staying on task. The shop became a Mecca for other car enthusiasts; laughter and car stories flew around the shop like stock cars at Darlington. I secretly welcomed the interruptions and grew to appreciate not only their stories but the men and women themselves. I learned their individual quirks and personalities were as colorful as their cars. I thought I was working on old cars but years later discovered I had actually been working on old friendships. Although the cars passed through the shop as quickly as a snow storm in June, many friendships remained.
Today, I’m grateful that some of my “car friends” have found their way into our congregation, and ironically, I still find it hard to stay on task with them. I still want to talk “cars” when I should be focusing on their spiritual concerns. But then I’m reminded that their love for cars is a facet of their spiritual makeup.
One of the most common statements uttered in my old shop went something like this: “I used to own a car just like that and I let it get away. If I only knew then what I know now, I would have never sold it!” I can’t tell you how often I heard that wistful lament.
It’s so easy to underestimate the lasting value of the people we are with today. I’ve learned, that later, they become rare and hard to find, and their value escalates disproportionately. Recently the Lord has been working with me to grasp how important those around me truly are; to value others just as He values them. In this rushed culture we’re still admonished to “stop and smell the roses.” You would understand my meaning and you might reflect on the passing scenery of the rolling hills or the serenity of velvet sunset. But do you recognize the incredible intrinsic value of the people you’re with each day?
How long has it been since you’ve considered the value of those God has placed around you? The Bible tells us that God loves each person and has hand crafted them.
“We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Psalm 139:13-15 The Message
When old cars were brought into my shop, I’d peel away the elements that were tired and worn and replace them with fresh materials. I learned to appreciate the quality built into the original automobile. I’d imagine what it must have been like when it rolled off the showroom. That’s exactly how the Lord looks at each person. He “knows now what He knew then.” He values each person individually and desires to restore each one of us to our original design and purposes. My prayer is to develop godly vision toward those around me today, to see them as God sees them—carefully and wonderfully made. Jesus Christ so valued each person, He willingly gave Himself to restore us to our Heavenly Father. I want to be part of His collection… don’t you?
Read Ron’s column, Simple Faith, each Saturday on the Faith Page (page 3) of the Lancaster Eagle Gazette, or visit www.lancastereaglegazette.com.