So when a light came on in my car telling me something was wrong, I knew I would not be the right person to handle the issue.
I called our mechanic and told her about the light, and she told me that I simply needed to check my oil level and call her back.
“Ok,” I said “but before I do that, could you explain it to me as if I’ve never done this before?”
She then painstakingly walked me through how to use a dipstick. I told you I was going to be vulnerable here, so try not to laugh, please.
I thanked her profusely for taking the time to explain something so simple to a grown adult. Then she surprised me by saying “Jeff, what is it that you do”?
“I’m a pastor at a church on the west side”.
“You see,” she responded, “that takes a lot of listening and public speaking. I don’t think I could ever do that. I’m good at fixing cars, it’s my job. That’s why you came to me. If I need a pastor, I know where I can go now”.
Before you ask, my car is fine. It is currently unexploded (as of this writing. I really hope I didn’t jinx myself).
We are currently in our sermon series on seeking the common good through issues that divide us. This has been a challenging, uplifting, and wonderful opportunity to wrestle with some of the toughest topics that separate us. It has also helped me remember the value of humility. It has helped me remember that we are all different people, with different gifts, and different perspectives.
