Friday again. Oh boy. A rainy day here. May last all day. Summer has been a little slow in coming, though it does have until Tuesday to officially get its act together. I hope the weather clears up later.
This Father’s Day weekend marks the 15th annual “Car d’ Alene Classic Car Show” here in Coeur d’ Alene. Perfect for the ultimate car enthusiast except you don’t have even have to be one to enjoy yourself. I went last year for the first time and had a terrific time. Tonight if it’s not raining, I’ll head downtown to watch over 600 cars, ’78 and older’, cruise downtown. Tomorrow, the cars will be lined up along the street and can be viewed at your leisure. All the while, vintage 50’s and 60’s tunes will be blaring from loud speakers. Last year, I believe it was in the 80’s. Hot! I so hope the sun comes out.
As an avid people watcher, I’m in my element. And what a day for stories. Men and women, now in their 70’s reminisce when they first got such a car, or maybe children speak of when their parents or grandparents did. I love eaves dropping, without appearing conspicuous, straining to hear the stories family members and friends share with one another about these cars and the memories they evoke. How often will I hear on such a day, “Wow, I haven’t thought about that in 30 years.”
Happened to me last year. I’m strolling along and land in front of one gorgeous ’68 red Ford Mustang. I thought that car was cool back then. Or maybe it was “cherry”? Or was it “boss”? Suddenly I’m whisked back to the 7th grade at El Dorado Elementary in Concord, California. Okay, so, I would have preferred another memory since junior high was not my favorite time of life, but you get the point.
I welcome any opportunity to remind me of God’s faithfulness. It’s become a habit for me. A deliberate choice. Everywhere I go, I say, “God show Yourself in your creation right now, show Yourself through the ridiculously simple. I don’t care a bit of someone would think what’s making me smile at this moment is stupid.” On God’s quietest day, He loves to answer such prayers, I’m totally convinced.
For example, there’s this wonderful “penny” candy store on Sherman Avenue in downtown Coeur d’ Alene. As you step inside, you’re greeted with an entire store filled with apple barrels of various candies, many reminiscent of decades ago and no longer available in grocery stores. A couple of weeks ago I’d taken an out-of-town guest there. My eyes fell on a barrel of miniature “Big Hunks.” I bet I hadn’t had a “Big Hunk” in 30 years! Maybe longer! The taffy is not too hot on the teeth, but I figured one piece wouldn’t hurt. As I chewed my mini Big Hunt, I reflected on trips to the local dime store when my family used to visit my grandma in San Francisco. A delightful memory. I thanked God for my grandma, who long ago went Home.
As I view all the classic cars this weekend and the sounds of “Surfing USA” or “Duke of Earl,” blaring from the speakers, I’ll definitely be in the middle of this moment, enjoying this day God has created. But on a whole other level, I’ll be thinking back as well. Maybe it won’t even be some classic car that triggers the memory. Maybe it will simply be a child slurping on a snow cone or watch her plaster her face with cotton candy. Maybe it will be observing some elderly couple shuffling down the street. The husband stops, points to the car and turns to his wife, with a twinkle in his eye, “Remember, Honey. . . “ She blushes and clasps his hand.
Remembering God’s past faithfulness to me will always cause me to trust Him for the future. As What’s most amazing to me—well, everything is most amazing to me about God—is that even during the many years I didn’t know Him so I couldn’t trust Him, He was looking out for me. Even during the years when any thought of God seldom entered my mind except for church on Sundays, I was always on His mind. God from the foundation of the earth was paving the way for the time that I would eventually come to know Him and love Him as I do today.
Have a great weekend! We really do need the rain here, but I wish God would reschedule it until Monday. J
You guided my conception and formed me in the womb. You clothed me with skin and flesh, and you knit my bones and sinews together. You gave me life and showed me your unfailing love. My life was preserved by your care. (Job 10:10-12, NLT)