3,000 Mile Check-Up

I recently took my car in for its 3,000 mile check-up. As I sat in the customer's lounge, I was struck by the whole process of a 3,000 mile check up. If your vehicle is low on any of the fluids, that are vital for optimal performance, then the mechanic dutifully replenishes them. The tires are rotated and checked for pressure to ensure that they are balanced and in good working order. The oil filter is replaced, the electrical system is given a once over, and the brakes are tested to ensure that the car will stop on a dime the next time I pass a sign that says "shoe sale".

How incredibly convenient it would be if life had a 3,000 mile check-up. We could bring ourselves in to the "Life Station" for servicing. Whatever virtues we were low on; our life mechanic would fill up our empty reservoir, elevating us once again to a higher standard of operation. If our compassion filter was clogged and in need of a replacement, we could easily pick up a new one. If we were low on love, sincerity, honesty, hope, good judgment, and faith, our life mechanic would replenish us, allowing us to operate at our most advantageous level. If our priorities were out of order and in need of rotating, then our life mechanic would again, come to the rescue, realigning our priorities allowing us to stay balanced and focused. It there happens to be negativity inhibiting our system, prohibiting us from running our lives smoothly and effectively, then our life mechanic would simply flush out the unconstructive thoughts and feelings allowing only positive energy to flow though.

We would leave the Life Station renewed and energized, virtues and priorities at full throttle. We would feel well equipped to drive off to the next exciting phase of our life journey.

I’d like to believe that we truly do have Life Stations that we can pull into when we become exhausted and depleted in our journey. We find these Life Stations in our mates, parents, churches, co-workers, family, therapists or friends. Depending on the intensity of your relationship with each, depends on what purpose they fulfill. For some, it could be the encouraging words of a parent that gives you the hope to continue onward. Perhaps it’s the loving embrace of your partner that renews you, body and soul. For others, it could be the kind, constructive words of a friend, that helps you see where certain deficiency lie and where you need to make some adjustments in your life in order to operate effectively. Whatever your Life Station is, don’t take it for granted and be sure to make frequent appointments for maintenance. In return, we will find ourselves operating our lives at our most optimal levels, energized, and in full working order. If we choose not to be diligent in our maintenance, then like a car that has been neglected, we will break down, become useless and end up in the junk yard. The choice is yours. I encourage you to do a quick system check and if necessary, be sure to get yourself to your nearest Life Station for whatever maintenance may be overdue. You’ll be thankful you did.