Usually skid marks on the concrete in my carport mean that I have been doing brake-stands or peel-outs again with our minivan. That's why I was surprised to see two rubber patches the other day that I could not recall having recently laid down. But then I remembered that one of my children is learning to drive standard.

Back in December, Alyssa, who has survived cancer and has now moved on to driving, paid $500 (and a carburetor repair) for a 1982 Toyota Tercel with 59,000 original kilometers. It has a 4-speed manual transmission, which apparently is in good enough shape to leave patches behind when a novice shifter pops the clutch. To see my daughter picking up this skill has brought back warm and happy memories of my Dad teaching me to drive his own 5-speed, 1982 Toyota Corolla. Back then the evidence of my learning was a tension headache (mine) because I knew that Corolla was the first brand new car my dad had ever had and I didn't want to break something.

The evidence that someone has tried something is more than just a trip down memory lane for fathers.

Usually skid marks on the concrete in my carport mean that I have been doing brake-stands or peel-outs again with our minivan.  That's why I was surprised to see two rubber patches the other day that I could not recall having recently laid down.  But then I remembered that one of my children is learning to drive standard.

Back in December, Alyssa, who has survived cancer and has now moved on to driving, paid $500 (and a carburetor repair) for a 1982 Toyota Tercel with 59,000 original kilometers.  It has a 4-speed manual transmission, which apparently is in good enough shape to leave patches behind when a novice shifter pops the clutch.  To see my daughter picking up this skill has brought back warm and happy memories of my Dad teaching me to drive his own 5-speed, 1982 Toyota Corolla.  Back then the evidence of my learning was a tension headache (mine) because I knew that Corolla was the first brand new car my dad had ever had and I didn't want to break something.

The evidence that someone has tried something is more than just a trip down memory lane for fathers.  It is also an encouragement to pastors whose main purpose, as the Bible teaches, is to train God's people for works of service so that the church can mature and attain the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13).  Pastors like to see the evidence of people trying to do something since it shows the true work of church growth and health is taking place.  I know that some of you think that Pastors would prefer to see things done well or not done at all, but nothing could be further from the truth ? for this pastor at least. 

I like to see even the slightest remnant of some new endeavour that has been undertaken by somebody inspired to move forward in obedience and service to God because the evidence of what was tried is the foundation of what will eventually be accomplished.  The Bible is full of examples of people who had to make more than one attempt to get it right in their service of God.  Accordingly, people - just like those awkward learners of Biblical proportions - should be encouraged in their dreams of service, not intimidated by the ease and legacy of those who are already skilled nor the gurgitations of armchair church quarterbacks who wag their fingers from pews of lazy and idle repose.

So, even if you find yourself spinning your wheels at first, make your pastor happy by laying down some skid marks around the church.

Pastor Tim Davis, Copyright 2005
For permission to reuse or reprint,
please e-mail [email protected]>

Pastor Tim has retired from pastoring local churches and is now working alongside his wife to help refugees and persecuted Christians.

For more about Cybersalt, the business, head on over to www.cybersalt.com