I was driving back from a friend’s house out of town on a long stretch of road early this morning joyfully singing along a rocking country song when I noticed the “Service Engine Soon” light at the dash of my truck come one. In no time at all, the truck became unresponsive to my pressing the gas pedal even though all the electronics inside the cab were still functioning.
I immediately pulled as far to the side of the two-lane road as I could and going with my first instinct in determining the cause of the problem, I popped the hood to check for any sign of overheating. I was relieved to find that at least the radiator wasn’t steaming!
I decided to let the engine sit for about five minutes. I looked up and noticed how clear the night sky was. It has never occurred to me before, but have you ever watched how sometimes the stars change colors from green to red to blue to white when they twinkle? It was mesmerizing.
Back to my problem, I decided to start the ignition. The engine would not turn over at all. I checked the battery voltage using my voltmeter. The battery had plenty of charge. I checked all the fluids and fuel…All ok. I checked for any loose hoses and wires. Found none. Next, I broke out my trusty old can of starting fluid and sprayed some on the air intake. The engine fired for a few seconds, then stopped. I checked for loose fuel lines. Found none…
Finally, I decided to replace the fuel pump with a used one that I started to carry in the tool box. (I had been having problems with the fuel pump for a while and have put off buying a new one because of financial issues. Instead, I had been able to buy a used one from the junk yard for a much cheaper price)
Once the “new” fuel pump was in place, one more spray of the starting fluid was able to get the engine running --- and stay running --- then I was able to get on my way.
What’s really extraordinary about this event is that I did the work with one very dim flashlight (and aided with the light emitted by the stars and partial moon). Moreover, the work could have taken me a much shorter time, but I just had to stop and "smell the roses" --- so to speak --- to admire God’s handiwork in the heavens.
I couldn’t have felt closer to God than that moment. I wasn't frightened at all at the idea of being stranded in the middle of nowhere, at risk from any potential bad situation. I have full faith and confidence that He will protect me from any trials that I will have to face alone.
People drove by. No one stopped... which was to be expected. However, the passing cars did provide enough light momentarily to allow me a clearer look at what I was doing. In the end, my eyesight readjusted to the lighting provided from up above.
Life seems to be like that sometimes. People we meet along the way shed their light on us temporarily, but it's when we are alone that we find light is God's creation.
I just need to make sure I fix whatever is causing that Service Engine light to come on whenever that time came.
I took a big risk in my shot-gun replacement of the fuel pump, but it paid off. I was able to drive home. I only hope this “temporary” fuel pump lasts long enough to where I can save up for a new one.
…the “Service Engine Soon” light did go off.
…even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. Psalm 139:12
2 comments:
Dear Noel...Yes I guess it WAS good that you let the engine rest for five minutes and enjoyed God's handiwork while you were waiting.
Most people would have just kept cranking the engine in frustration until the battery died!
I know I would have!
What a patient person you are..
Your looking at the stars reminds me of when we were kids.
We used to lay flat on our backs on the ground on a clear night and just gaze and gaze at the twinkles above us.
We never got bored and if we were really lucky we would see a falling star sometimes and we would wish upon it.
It didn't happen too often though, that we DID see a falling star.
Can you just imagine all the stars there really are Noel because after all the sky never stops!
Because what CAN stop it?
Space?
It goes on and on and on right into eternity and eternity NEVER stops!
It is so mind boggling sometimes.
And just to think that God looks down through all that eternity and see us individually.
We are so unworhty and yet He loves us each by name.
And up in all that eternity if we are saved our names are written in His Big Book of Life.
I never did notice the stars changing colors the way you saw them.
I wonder if the Texas stars are unique in that way..
Or maybe I just never noticed because I don't have the artist soul inside me that you do Noel Lewis!
I don't stop to smell the roses.
Smart idea to carry an extra fuel pump. Good thing,eh Noel?
It was just like you performed a heart transplant!
And for sure in the dark at that!!
Those cars that wouldn't stop and yet unknowingly helped you with their car lights reminds me of us as Christans.
We might not be too faithful sometimes as we pass through this dark wolrd but the light that we have within us which is Jesus, Himself shines on people that cross our paths and affects them in a good way.
Well I was really glad read this post Noel.
You seem to be really happy today and for this I have prayed....From Terry
Hi Noel- just swinging by to say hi. Things have been busy so I haven't had a chance to comment lately, but I always read your posts! (I'll comment more later this week).
I hope you're doing well; I've been keeping you in my prayers.
*L
Post a Comment