The Brown Paper Sack

Reliable, Consistent, Faithful, Remaining, Never Changing.

Do these adjectives describe you? Do they describe someone in your life? 

They describe my brown Plymouth Reliant. It was a two door, faux wood interior, dusty brown beautiful exterior. The seats were a cream, tan-ish color. It was the car that would not die. My Dad helped me pick it out. Never buy a car in the rain.  There is no way to tell if the paint is worn, or if it is shiny and brilliant. The Reliant, when dry, best resembled a large paper sack. My Dad told me it would be a great car for me; it had low mileage and would be safe. I quickly asked how long I had to keep this car. He said- until it dies.

It never did.

Five years later I married John and it made the trip being pulled by the tiny U-haul. I discovered upon our late arrival in Charlotte that a hand mirror had been reflecting on the dash the whole way and caused a wonderful burn mark. My poor brown paper sack.  

The door started screeching so loud that it announced my horrified arrival to those in a 10 mile radius of my sweet brown paper bag car. I remember the day that John said it might be time to get rid of my reliant. I wanted to leap for joy- but was afraid I would hurt her feelings. She had been so faithful. She had heard all of my rants, laughed with me upon occasion, and never told about my late night arrivals during my dating years. She had been my consistent friend. She chewed up many of my cassette tapes, even sang with me upon occasion.  She held my belongings she toted me around town, and never complained a bit. She never talked back and she was always there for me and was willing to go with me where ever I would navigate. 

I am so thankful that God has been that solid, reliable, steadfast friend to me. He has heard me rant, he has laughed with me, he has held my hand as I cried, and he has even not told about some late night dates. What he has done is to change my life.  His consistent love has molded me. I have learned that even though our relationship might not be the flashiest, the most sought after, the latest trend- it is the true thing.

Jesus is the best thing that has ever happened to me. There are days that I ebb and flow. There are days that I am scared out of my mind- but on days like that I go back to the well worn page on my not so shiny red Bible and read this…..

“He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust

Surely he shall deliver you ….”

Psalm 91:1-3

I hope that you have the privilege of learning the value of that consistent love. That you will allow him to shelter you and that you will lean on the almighty and let Him lead you. As to the Brown Reliant- she was sold for 100.00 to help a single Mom. I hope she saw the beauty in my not so shiny brown friend that I fell in love with. I miss you Reliant- sure wish Penelope my Pilot could have met you.