Oil Spots

 

I was sitting in the parking lot at Lidl on Sunday morning

When I looked ahead at the empty parking spaces

And noticed just how many oil and fluid stains there were!

 

I thought to myself,

A lot of people’s cars must leak oil and fluids!

I hope mine is not one of them. 

 

I’m a 5000 mile oil change girl.

I get the multi point inspection and probably let the Toyota place suck me in to getting things done that I don’t really need. 

I would like to think that they’re not taking advantage of me because I am a woman

But maybe they are.

I just know that I feel better when I feel like my car is maintained

Even though, really, it could break down just as easily as any other vehicle.

 

I recently had to get tires. 

I did actually need them. 

They weren’t completely bald and I probably could’ve gotten some more use out of the ones I had,

But bad weather and travel were coming

So I went on and got them. 

 

In the process,

I realized just what a privilege it is to be able to get new tires

And to maintain my oil and fluids every 5000 miles. 

Car maintenance is expensive and time consuming. 

Some people don’t have the money to do routine maintenance while

Other people don’t have the time. 

Some people must choose between putting food on the table and getting their car serviced while 

Other people must choose between spending time family duties and sitting at the shop because they don’t have anyone to come pick them up or because they don’t have anyone to sit with the kids. 

To have a little bit of money in savings to cover tires and other expenses—

To have the time to sit and wait and do work—

These things are a privilege. 

And I don’t have them for granted. 

Not in these days. 

Not in these times. 

Not at this moment in history 

When it seems that life as we know it is quickly changing. 

 

May we not take simple things for granted. 

Oil changes. 

Fluid top offs. 

Tires. 

Smiles. 

Kindnesses. 

Open parking spaces. 

Hugs. 

Laughter. 

The ability to work. 

The ability to wait. 

Safety. 

And cars.

 

In so many ways,

We are a blessed people. 

Let us use our blessings to bless others 

And to help them keep their cars and lives maintained. 

 

Let us see less oil and fluid stains 

And more marks of love. 

 

Amen.