Our lawn mower has decided it’s finished and no longer wants to cut our grass. It started making a clanking sound and then spewing dark smoke. So we took a trip to the lawn mower store (okay, it’s more than that, but the lawn mower department was our ultimate destination).

After a demonstration, my husband decided on one and then the real lessons began. The sales clerk showed some more features to my husband and then bent down and pulled out the oil dip stick.

I know what a dip stick is. My Dad taught me about cars as I was growing up. I was familiar with this little thingee and what its purpose was.

However, the sales clerk pulled it out and said, “This is a dipstick.” Yes, I know that and I’m pretty sure Mason knew what it was too. The sales clerk continued. “It’s not a dip and twist stick.”

I laughed.

The sales clerk wasn’t finished. He continued yet again. “If you twist the stick after dipping it into the oil, you will get a false reading. You’ll believe you are several ounces low. You’ll take some oil out. And then, you won’t have enough oil to properly lubricate the engine. So dip it in and take it out to get a good reading.”

I learned something from that sales clerk. And we continued to laugh through the transaction. I mentioned to him that I wrote a blog each day and that he would wind up here someday.

How many things do you attempt during your day that are not done properly or perhaps the outcome was not intended. I find myself frustrated when it happens to me.

Like when preparing dinner, I sometimes don’t read the directions for a side dish and it doesn’t turn out correctly. Or when I try to remember what was on my grocery list that is sitting on the island in my kitchen. Or the worst is when making coffee, I either spill dry coffee grounds all over or I forget to dump the old coffee and brewed coffee runs down the front of my cabinets (remember my kitchen cabinets and countertops are white!).

These are obviously little things, like twisting the dip stick. But what about the big ones in life? The big mistakes that have tough consequences?

A mistake at work. An accident. Words that you wish could be pulled back. A sin that hurts a loved one. A hurt done against you.

We’ve all experienced them. It’s during these moments that we have a grace-filled Father who longs to wrap us in His loving arms to forgive, protect, comfort. He knows exactly what we need. He is everything to us.

Abba, Father (Galatians 4:6). Deliverer (Psalm 70:5). Father of Mercies (2 Corinthians 1:3). God of peace (Hebrews 13:20-21). Guide (Psalm 48:14). Keeper (Psalm 121:5). Light (Psalm 27:1). Refuge (Deuteronomy 33:27). Shield (Psalm 5:12). Strength (Exodus 15:2).

He is Almighty God (Genesis 17:1). Dwelling place (Psalm 90:1). Fountain of living waters (Jeremiah 2:13). God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3). The God who sees (Genesis 16:13). Husband (Jeremiah 31:31-32). Judge (Psalm 75:7). Lawgiver (Isaiah 33:22). The Lord who heals (Exodus 15:26). Portion (Psalm 119:57). Redeemer (Isaiah 54:8). Shade (Psalm 121:5). Strong tower (Proverbs 18:10).

He is the Ancient of days (Daniel 7:9). Everlasting God (Genesis 21:33). Father of lights (James 1:17). Fortress (Jeremiah 16:19). God of salvation (Habakkuk 3:17-18). Hiding place (Psalm 32:7). King (1 Samuel 12:12). Lord of righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6). Most upright (Isaiah 26:7). Potter (Isaiah 64:8). Rock (1 Samuel 2:2). Savior (Isaiah 45:21). Shepherd (Psalm 23:1). Song (Isaiah 12:2).[i]

Regardless of what we are going through during our day, God is there for you. Why would anyone want to go through anything without a God who is willing and able to fulfill all of these areas of my life? I don’t know about you, but just knowing that I’m covered brings great joy to my heart.

I serve a God who loves me. Unconditionally. Even when I dip and twist.

My heart is filled with praise for God today. Is yours? If not, just look up all the Scripture listed above and know how much God loves you. It might just make a difference in your outlook today.

Not only does this blog post offer spiritual insight, but I believe today I’ve offered some practical lawn mower maintenance advice. Maybe you’ll chuckle each time you check the oil in your lawn mower. I know I will!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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