Flat Tire

On my way into work one morning I passed a car moving slowly on the side of the road. While passing it was easy to see the driver's problem. The driver's side front tire was flat, barely hanging onto the rim. I came to a red light and was surprised when the driver pulled up behind me. I couldn't think that he could go much farther with his tire in that condition. As the light turned green and I began to continue on my way, he continued too. Soon he was pulling over to the side again but still going. I thought about where he might get help. We were traveling a section of Dover Road and Route 530 where the only thing in sight is pine trees. Then I thought, most likely this guy passed 2 gas stations before I passed him. Even if his tire blew after passing the stations, why not stop, knowing help was not too far away?

Certainly more damage would be done to his car by driving a distance on the wheel of the car. Now, he was heading in a direction where help would be miles away regardless of which direction he turned farther up the road. While thinking, "Silly man! Why don't you stop and get help while you can?" the Lord whispered the same thing to my heart. "Kathy, you've been going on a flat tire for quiet awhile now. You have been refusing to slow down for any length of time or come to a complete stop for My help. You passed Me miles back and have chosen to keep going. Sure, I am up ahead to help you at anytime but you are likely to experience more damage riding on your flat tire."

I know that my flat tire was caused by grief and a spin on the black ice of life. Things I didn't see coming, well, they came at me fast. But I have been pushing ahead while just getting enough air to go a little farther. Through our Grief Share Group here at Keswick, I learned that in times of grief you can pull closer to God or push Him away. I have been pushing. I don't know all the reasons why and I hate that I do it. I know I need to pull over for more than a shot of air yet I stubbornly try to inch ahead on my flat tire. Maybe I don't want to feel the depths of my pain. Maybe I don't want to get out of the driver's seat right now and have no control. Maybe I don't want to mourn fully because ...then what?

I can't see the road ahead. Still, I know that Help is there. He is not just up ahead, He is right next to me. I know it. Now, if I could just stop more often and get the tire fixed!

I don't know what may have caused your flat tire today. I don't speak as one who has all the answers but here are two. First, pull over. Get a little air. Second, consider the help of a group like Grief Share and Divorce Care or a good friend.

Knowing that my tires will one day be filled seems far off. I don't know when I will come through the road of grief before me. Lynne Jahns assures me that I will get through. When I do I'll look forward to us passing one another on the road one day. I will stop if your tire is flat and wait with you. If your tires are full and your ride is smooth I will rejoice with you!

(For information on Grief Share or Divorce Care please visit our website www.americaskeswick.org or call 800.453.7942.)

Blessings,
Kathy Withers

Kathy's on staff at America's KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 26 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God's Word.