A lot is riding on this post. My life … and other people’s lives.
Tires … when you think of the amazing role they, play it is remarkable. Tires … when you think of the science behind them, it is fascinating. Tires, when you think how much they cost, it is soul crunching.
A few yers ago, I bought a 2007 Voodoo Blue FJ Cruiser … and I love it. The previous, and only previous owner, had 3 inch lifts installed and the 285 Cooper AT tires give the FJ a cool profile.
The first trip I took with the FJ I had a frightening and fabulous experience. It was about 3 in the morning and I was headed east out of Little Rock. A truck in front of us had a large yellow plastic barrel bounce out of her bed. It was headed straight to me. No time to swerve, no time to brake. (I wasn’t tail gating, it just caught me off guard and reflexes at 3am weren’t prime.)
The barrel, one of DOT construction crews use, headed for me, rolled under the FJ, between the 295 tires, and didn’t touch the undercarriage or the tires. I love my FJ.
Back to the tires. These tires are a bit oversized. Not in the flawed way, just in the practical way. When I turn too much to the right or left, the tires rub against the plastic guard in the wheel area. Grinding. Rubber against plastic. It makes my teeth grind.
Tires … they are now beginning to cup. I think that’s the word. This cupping causes vibration. An FJ is not immune to vibration, but the cupping isn’t good.
Tires … they are not just good enough in themselves. The best of tires need some additional assistance … a constant and well done balance, a straight and correct alignment, the proper air pressure. Even the proper rating for the weather and road conditions is important. I mean, the FJ needs AT or mud tires. Just being on the FJ doesn’t guarantee safety or traction or coolness. Well, maybe being on the FJ does make them cool. Possibly ineffective, but cool.
Tires … need things to make them what they were designed to do.
People … need things to make them what they were designed to do.
We need a proper balance … outside help to make stop the wobbles, the shakiness, the uncertain footsteps/decision making.
We need a proper alignment … guidelines that keep us from too far to the right or to the left. Friends, discipline, encouragement to keep us on the straight and narrow.
We need a proper inward filling ... keeping our spiritual and mental life feed and full. Not allowing a hollowness by isolation. We need each other in fellowship, a regular feeding on the Word.
We need a proper rating … a preparedness for daily life or for specific missions. Elisha trained young preachers. We need to be equipped for the missions before us. Studying to show ourselves approved. And unlike tires, we can grow and be trained and equipped for future roles. Tires are rated once and for all, but God is forever transforming for what lies ahead.
We need a spare tire … Sometimes, we need the reminder we are not alone. We have others to help and step in when we need it. We need each other. Someone to pick us up when we stumble.
This week, I am buying a new set of tires. May it remind me that I too need to be appreciative of all that goes into me and helping me (and you) be what God has in store for us.
As far as the FJ and the new NEXEN Roadian XT RA8s … they bring on the off road, but not go crazy.
Muddy Shoes by Todd 
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