Have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror? Silly question, we all have,
but what did you see? Most times we look into a mirror to make sure our
appearance looks okay for others to see. Who do they see? Greetings in the
name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Do you know what I like most about racers? What you see is what you get.
The closer you get to the grass roots the more honest a picture you get of
someone. Meet someone where they live and you will learn more about them
than you could any other way.
Sometimes the reflection we see in the mirror is not what is really in
our hearts. Most times we cover up what we truly think. We try to put up a
good front and hope people don’t see through us. We don’t always show people
who we really are.
That is not the way God would like us to be. He desires that we are
transparent, that our motives would be plain to see and others would see the
love of Christ in us. We need to reflect the character of God. Who do they
see?
We need to be honest with ourselves. We need to look into that mirror and
see who we really are. Then we need to get on our knees before God and ask
for His forgiveness and restoration. We were created in His image, but we
corrupted that. We made choices that went against what God desired for us
and tarnished the image of Him in us. We need to be transformed.
Romans12:2; Do not conform any longer to the
pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good,
pleasing and perfect will.
We all need to do a little transformation. We all
need to think a little differently. Here is some wisdom developed from life
experience;
“Reflections from the Seat of My Tractor”
“The best sermons are lived, not preached.”
“Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.”
“Keep skunks and bankers at a distance.”
“Forgive your enemies; it messes up their heads.”
“Words that soak into your ears are whispered…....not yelled.”
“If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.”
“A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.”
“Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.”
“You cannot unsay a cruel word.”
“Every path has a few puddles.”
“Most of the stuff people worry about, ain't never gonna happen anyway.”
“Don't judge folks by their relatives.
“Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.”
“Always drink upstream from the herd.”
“Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back
in.”
“If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin'
somebody else's dog around.”
“Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad
judgment.”
“Live a good and honorable life, then when you get older and think back,
you'll enjoy it a second time.”
“Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and leave the rest
to God.”
“The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with, watches
you from the mirror every mornin'.”
There is a lot of truth in these sayings, wisdom
developed from life experience, simple when we read it, hard when we try to
remember and apply it.
Every racer drives a little bit differently, some guys are checkers or
wrecker, some are patient and wait for their opportunity, and there is
everything in between. Racing together we learn how the people around us
race. We learn when we can make a move and when we shouldn't. Being able to
trust those you are racing with is critical to running a good race.
We don't always remember that, spotters and crew chiefs can help but only
if the driver listens. The ultimate decision is in the hands on the wheel.
No matter what the input and how much sense it makes, the decision is in the
person with their hands on the wheel.
Therein lies the problem, we don't listen and learn. We think we know it
all or can figure it all out. God desires that we think otherwise. God
desires that we listen to the Holy Spirit and follow his direction. That is
the only way we can move in the right direction.
We face the challenge of looking at that reflection, sometimes it isn't
pretty or comfortable to look at. Sometimes we are just plain ugly. Funny
thing about a mirror is it only reflects what it sees. That is not how God
desires us to be. His word challenges us to change the clothes we wear,
change the attitude we have, change the way we see things.
Colossians 3:12-13, NIV;
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and
patience.
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against
one another.
Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
In stark contrast to human nature, God expects us
to see and act differently. Let's be honest with ourselves, compassion,
kindness, patience, humility, gentleness and forgiveness are things we have
to work on.
How do we get good at something? We practice. Seat time is the only way a
driver can hone his skills and learn how to go faster. When we practice
something we are able to improve ourselves. We will never make progress if
we don't start practicing.
In addition to that we need to be coached. We need someone there to tell
us when we are doing it right and correct us when we are doing it wrong.
None of us likes to be corrected, but that is a necessary component of
change, we cannot do it alone.
When we surrender our lives to Christ the Holy Spirit comes in, He
resides in our heart. He is there to encourage us when we are right and
convict us when we are not. He guides and councils us in the ways of God,
just like that spotter or crew chief talking in our ear.
Don't tune Him out. Don't ignore His guidance. Don't think you know
better. If we follow that temptation it will not go well for us. Talk with
God; ask Him, He'll answer. He will speak to you through the Holy Spirit and
guide you along the right path. He will not lead you astray.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
SBM
125 A CROWD PLEASER - Star Speedway was the place for the second race in
the Tri-Track Open Mod Series race. The SBM 125 has been contested for three
years and this year the fourth edition joined Lee Speedway and Seekonk
Speedway in the Tri-Track Mod Series. Les Hinckley was a late addition to
the field but he came prepared to contest for the win. Dueling with Jon
McKennedy for the final laps they showed the crowd firsthand the excitement
of side-by-side open wheel Modified racing. Jon took home the win with
Hinckley coming home second.
I am sure this is a victory in the mind of the Hinckley family as they
have been through some difficult challenges with their son Allen’s illness.
I am pleased to share that the surgeries have started to move things in a
positive direction. Keep Allen, Tracey, Les and the entire Hinckley family
in your prayers.
FLORIDA WEATHER UGH ! - I guess this isn’t the best time of
year to spend in the Sunshine State . The transition to the summer weather
pattern involves some volatile weather. From sudden torrential downpours to
tornadoes to flooding, there was a little bit of everything. We had a little
tornado tear up some trees around the corner from where I was staying.
Fortunately I was 450 miles away in Pensacola ! When I returned I saw the
damage and was glad my timing was such that I was not in the middle of it.
Although the weather was threatening and washed out the first practice we
were able to get the Pensacola 150 in and Ben Rhodes continued his hot
streak winning his fourth race of the season solidifying his position at the
top of the standings. He has a 55 point lead over Gray Gaulding. Gray also
raced in the Camping World Truck Series at Gateway Saturday night coming
home in 20th.
DOUBLE HEADER WEEKEND - This week sees two local tracks welcoming
Modified Touring Divisions. Friday night the VMRS will make its first visit
to Stafford Motor Speedway and Saturday night the Whelen Modified Tour will
make a visit to the Waterford Speedbowl. It should be a great weekend for
Modified racing fans as the tracks sit about an hour apart. Looking forward
to seeing you there! Have a great week.
Until next time, be a witness for our Lord with the ministry decals
and apparel. See them at the Show Your Faith Apparel Store at
http://www.rwjm.com/store. Send us your prayer and counseling needs no matter
what part of our racing family you are in, or give us a call. Remember that
God loves you, we love you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing. GOD BLESS.
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Tolland, CT 06084.
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Numbers 6:24-26 "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord
make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face
toward you and give you peace."
May God always Bless you, everyday in everyway. Rev. Don
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