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| Joe and Ben |
My friend, Ben, has
a WW II Jeep restored to look and function just like it was when it was
originally built. Joe (as he calls it)
has had a lot of work done. When it was
new, the Jeep was a work horse meant to withstand conditions of war. It wasn’t built to be flashy, and my friend
has been true to Joe’s heritage, adding nothing that doesn’t belong. As a result, Joe catches the eye of every car
enthusiast, mechanic, and war veteran who comes near it. They marvel at its
authenticity and at the skill and patience required to restore such a vehicle. He
shows the Jeep at car shows and military vehicle gatherings, and onlookers pose next to it to take
photos . He drives it on
the highway. He gives his grandkids driving lessons with it. While this Jeep
carries on with its life, it’s always a project in need of something to make it
more authentic and/or to keep it running.
I like to think that
we come into the world pretty darn perfect. As we grow, life carries on around
us, and through us, and in spite of us. Like that Jeep we go to war with some tough circumstance. When the war is over, we
return to the motor pool, damaged, seeking repair and restoration. When restored, we go back to moving about in
the world again, and the cycle goes on.
I’ve spent many days in the motor pool
discovering that restoration for the human spirit doesn’t start from the
outside. Restoration begins inside my head with the thought that I don’t have to remain
damaged. I have to take hold of it in my
heart. I have to choose it knowing that true restoration comes wrapped in the
forgiveness I offer myself and my offenders. It is generated when I can accept
a loss and be OK with my sadness. It is kindled when I acknowledge the people
in my motor pool who love me even when I’m dented and down. It is created when I build a bridge, extend a
hand, or, somehow, make a difference. I know it is real when I can bravely leave
the motor pool with a grateful heart, all while knowing, I could be back again tomorrow to hammer out another
dent or two.
Peace! lw
Peace! lw
