establish | encourage | energize

Last December I got myself into a truly embarrassing situation with my mechanic. I had driven in my classic Mercedes for a new coat of paint and general servicing on the appointed day, and having explained my preferences over and over, I hurriedly left in a taxi. I had been reassured my car would be ready by the end of day, so I could pick it on my way home from work.

I spent the day worrying if the job would be properly done, being the perfectionist I am. What if his apprentice mixed the wrong colors? Or scratched the chrome bumper? Finally, unable to bear the horrible thoughts any longer, I rushed down to the garage in my colleague’s car at around 3pm. As I quickly approached my heart stopped. To my horror, a classic Mercedes 200 sprayed in screaming yellow was in the bay, and just as I turned into the parking area they were testing the horn—an obnoxious and loud circus melody filled the air.

Furious, I slammed the door and marched to the shed in the corner that served as the garage office.

“How dare he?” I asked myself, preparing a vicious attack. I threw a fit of rage and really told off the mechanic. I had a few murderous thoughts which found expression in word. Yet he patiently waited for me to finish.

“And you’ll never see me again!” I threatened. I intended to warn all car owners in the area through a popular radio talk show.

“This mechanic is finished!” I thought.

“Sir,” said the mechanic coolly. “This is not your car. Your car is ready and is out on test drive. See, here it comes now.”

I turned around to see my car driving in. I had not looked at the number plates of the yellow car! Now it was my turn to get embarrassed. The paint work was a perfect tea-brown, and the engine and brakes just right. Although the mechanic accepted my apologies, I still felt guilty and foolish for my unnecessary out-burst.

When I got home for my evening devotion, a Bible verse really stood out— “An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression.” Proverbs 29:22 NKJV.

Hey, a little patience goes a long way.