Thursday, May 13, 2010

Vintage

 

Back in January our van decided it had been faithful long enough or maybe it had had enough of our rambunctious crew. Either way it blew its engine.

So, Joel being the resourceful firefighter that he is, decided that our former mode of transportation would make a great training tool for his fellow firefighters.  He hauled the old girl down to the fire department and hauled her back looking like this. 100_7818 I can’t imagine any of those guys had fun cutting this up with the Jaws of Life, can you?

For about a month afterwards I was without a vehicle, which honestly wasn’t a problem for this home body with dysfunctional feet.  Especially in the dead of winter.

We tossed around the idea of getting another used van, but the thought of getting into a monthly payment made us uneasy. In light of the underemployment issue we are now dealing with, I know with out a doubt that those feelings were straight from the Lord.

Our dear neighbor lady, who Joel helps out when needs arise, and who I feel has adopted Joel as a family member since all her immediate family is deceased, offered us her car. Her generosity to us is amazing.  I know that this car has quite a bit of sentimental value to her.  Several people have offered to buy it from her, but she refuses to sell it even though it has sat in her barn, unused, for almost two decades.

At first I balked a little at the idea.  I just wasn’t sure how I could go back to driving a car after the convenience of a van. Plus the coolness factor was an issue. I let my vanity get the better of me.

All I could picture when I looked at this car was the classic grandma grocery getter.

DSC_1763

You know, hair in rollers, house coat, brown leather tie up shoes, white socks and a huge purse.

Obviously we accepted our generous neighbor ladies offer. We couldn’t turn it down.  How awesome was it that she wanted us to have this car, a car that meant so much to her.  Joel did a bit of work on it, but not much.  I was surprised that it actually run!  A major bonus was that it only had 16,000 miles on it.

To ease myself into the idea of driving this older car, I began to call it my VINTAGE RIDE. That makes it a little cool, right? I mean vintage is in.

DSC_1758 What do you think?

 

In all seriousness, I am thankful for this car and for the wonderful generosity of our neighbor lady.  I learned something about myself through this whole process.  I still care a little too much about external appearances.  It does not matter what I drive or wear.  I do not need to own the latest and greatest.  It does not matter what others think about my vehicle. 

What matters is the love shown us by a dear sweet friend.

What matters is the condition of my heart. 

The Lord has taught me another valuable lesson.  One that He seems to remind me of often.  He is concerned for the beauty of my heart, not external and temporary items.

I have become quite content with my vintage ride, she gets me where I need to go very dependably and I’ll let you in on a little secret, she’s got a V-8.

OH YES!

Not that I would know anything about all that power and speed!

Really! :)

15 comments:

  1. What an awesome answer to prayer! And yes, vintage is cool. It suites you better than the "classic grandma" (he,he,he!) As a elderly couple in our church says, it's often the humor and being able to laugh that keeps you going.

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a wonderful neighbor you have! The world would be a much better place if there were more people like her.:)

    ReplyDelete
  3. A cool vintage ride with a V-8...ya got ya some real wheels there. It just goes to show you that when in need God will provide. You can make sure that your sweet neighbor lady will be blessed also. Cute post sweetie.

    God bless ya'll!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love that "vintage picture" too. Isn't it amazing what the Lord uses to remind us of our "humaness" and what we need to work on in our lives...those things that will make us more like Him! Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  5. She's beautiful ya know! And your beautiful standing in front of her! What a blessing :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm so glad you decided to post about this! The first picture of you is hilarious! I love it!

    I'll join you in your vintage ride anytime!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am so laughing right now... what a great story. I totally agree with the other commentors (especially Nezzy) and I couldn't admit to my own struggle more. My struggle to be concerned over my appearance of something... worried what other's might think...

    I've had a similiar experience, a couple of years ago, when we had to sell our second, a BRAND NEW vehicle (humbling) after only one year of use and go down to only one vehicle... for the next two years.

    It was hard. After awhile it became a welcomed excuse that I didn't have a car - if it meant I was asked to do or go somewhere with someone, that I didn't really want to do or had time for.

    That said. He gives grace to the humble. I think you have mastered that "grace" part - just swell. You look good in that ole vintage ride. It's so fun that it's red... it couldn't be any better then that.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Very cool car! May the Lord bless your neighbor abundantly for her generosity to your family. We also have "vintage" rides here. For a year and a half my girls and I rode a 1986 Chev. 4X4. A wonderful truck. Just last month we were blessed to purchase a l991 Ford Taurus. The Lord has a way of changing us. Did I mention that before these vintage rides, we rode a new Subaru. The biggest difference in these vehicles-the vintage ones are paid for. Praise the Lord. Enjoy your ride and God bless.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ooo, I love it! :) I have decided that the person makes the car cool.
    And when it's paid for, that makes it all the cooler!
    This post reminded me of my first car...I don't know the year, but it was a Buick. A powder blue, 'Granny', 4-door Buick. Its not what I wanted at all...I wanted a pickup. However, my grandmother gave it to me. And it ran like a dream. I did buy a pickup at a later point, and I tell ya what, when I was broke trying to make a payment, that paid for Buick was looking mighty fine!

    ReplyDelete
  10. love the photos!
    One Cool Mama~
    I have been through this similar experience...no it matters none a hill of beans what you drive...as long as it gets you where you need to go...God provides in our time of need...So cool of you to sport your new ride and "be proud" of it!
    Thanks for sharing this!!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Loovve that 1st pic!!! So great. And I also love that "ride" - my hubby would be head over heels for that thing :)!

    ReplyDelete
  12. How great is that?? The LORD provides and HIS ways are BEST!! I think your new car is fabulous and it will always remind you of how HE cares for all our needs and even SO MUCH MORE!! We have experienced a little humbling with our "Betsy" as she is not a classic colour...Aqua Teal with the Diamond coat is what she sports. It's now been 8 years since she came into our family and has been a BLESSING! Enjoy your new wheels! :)

    Blessings,
    Camille

    ReplyDelete
  13. LoL! Love the vintage car, especially the color! What a blessing and a great lesson as well. Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  14. oh, Jenn, you put a smile on my face!! love it!!

    what a wonderful gift from your friend. and just think how safe your kids will be riding in it! it was made back when they really knew how to make cars. sturdy and strong!

    funny picture of your "vintage granny ride"!

    God works in wonderful (sometimes strange) ways!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wow! 16,000 miles is a great deal! I'm happy you have it.:)

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting my blog! I love to read your comments so take a few minutes and jot me a line or two!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...