I just returned from a huge custom car show in Detroit. You might ask, “Why would grown men get up at 5:00 AM on a Saturday, drive four hours through a snow storm, pay twenty bucks to get into a crowded exhibition hall, walk five miles of show floor, then pile back into a van for the four hour return trip?” Because it’s fun! It’s even more fun when you’re with people you like!
You recently read about my best friend, Jocko, who passed away with cancer. His son, Jason, a good man who’s definitely his ‘father’s son,’ organized the trip. My own son, also named Jason, was with us. Another comrade-in-cars, Dave, joined us. Dave has a son named, you guessed it, Jason. In the 1970’s, David, Jocko, and I were members of the Lancaster Street Rod Association. Young and ambitious, we began our families, built our homes and established our careers together. You remember the nightly routine in the Walton’s home, the top-rated television show at the time—“Good night, John Boy. Good night, Jason!” Within one year, five families within our association had sons named Jason! I’m surprised we didn’t name them John Boy! (Jasons…you’re welcome!)
The drive passed quickly as we talked cars and recalled glory stories. I enjoyed the time with my son, who shares more than just our family name. We share the same heart for ministry and we’re both mechanically inclined. We typically modify anything we can get our hands on. I suspect we labor under the misconception that given the right tools, we can make anything “work better than it does.”
As friends, we walked miles together inside Cobo Hall, discussing details and craftsmanship. Toward the end of the day, we found ourselves wishing aloud that we had our tools back. You see, several years ago, we operated different businesses out of the same buildings; and together, we had accumulated an impressive array of tools. We had the tools needed to build or repair practically anything. But when God changed our circumstances and called us into ministry, we sold off our assets “lock stock and barrel.” Even as the sale was happening we kept telling one another, “Very soon we will need these tools and we’ll be saying, ‘I used to have one of those!’” And we were right.
But now, after Detroit, I realize we do have all we ever need. “Tools…we don’t need no stinkin’ tools!” We have all we need because we have one another.
When working with your hands, it is true that having the right tool for the right job is important. When Jesus told His family and closest friends He was going away, He immediately reminded them He was sending ALL they ever needed, His Holy Spirit.
The Spirit is more than a tool. He is all any of us needs to accomplish the work to which Christ has called us. As followers of Jesus Christ, His Spirit lives within our hearts and minds. He has taken up residence within us as our spiritual roommate.
The Detroit trip wasn’t memorable because of what I experienced, but because of whom I experienced it with. The important thing in life isn’t the things I do but with whom I do them. Because we have the Spirit living in us, all we do we are doing with Jesus… right here… right now.
But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—
that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything
and will remind you of everything I have told you.
John 14:26
Take advantage of some “Spirit and Me” time today. Enjoy the peaceful presence of the Holy Spirit; talk with the Lord and enjoy His companionship. You have a kindred Spirit living inside you. He loves the things you love; He is keenly interested in the things you’re passionate about. He wants to share that with you.
Lord, help me to be more aware of You today. I give You permission to tap me on the shoulder and share the things You feel and see as we walk out our day together. Thank You for being my friend. Amen.