God Doesn't Make No Junk!

Have you ever just seen something that just “clicked” with you and thought “WOW! That is just the coolest!” It has happened to me.

Last weekend, at our auction, we sold a 1965 Plymouth Valiant Convertible. As soon as I saw it, my imagination went into overdrive. I could just see it – fire engine red, cream convertible top folded back, shiny silver trim, a long flowing scarf around my neck, just cruising down the highway! Yeah, Baby!

The reality is the car was in need of some work. Okay, I will be honest, “some work” is probably the understatement of the year but the potential was there! With some body work, a good paint job, new grill, headlight, the convertible awning (is that what it is even called?), a motor and other essential parts, this car could be a beauty, a collectible. The other reality is that I could just see my family’s face when I came home dragging (or towing) a heap of junk..priceless! (But wouldn’t it make a cool spot for photo shoots?) Can't you just see what 'could be' in these pictures? (Of course you can thanks to pictures from the History of Chevrolet website!)

As I thought it over, I know most people would take one look at that car and just keep walking…not seeing the unrealized potential. Later that evening as I went down to the youth center, my thoughts took another turn: our own unrealized potential. What about me? Do I need to dust off some dreams? Do some work on myself to realize my unseen potential? What about you? What do people see when they look at you?

As a little boy, my brother used to have a T-shirt, he wore all the time! The slogan: God don't make no junk!

And it is so very true! Whether it's me, you, kids on the street, the homeless, the middle class, or the elite of society. God don't make no junk! We are all works in progress!

Do we judge others by the exterior wrappings like hair styles or the latest fashion or by the home we live in or the car we drive? Or do we see the “treasure” of potential hiding beneath the surface, the beauty beneath the layers of grime, dirty faces, baggy holey jeans. So the next time you start to turn your nose up at someone because they are different or admire them because of their good looks, wealth and got-it-all-together attitude, why don’t you just take a second look. Maybe it is not all as it seems! Invest some time and hard work: with a smile, kind words, some encouragement, and mentoring, you could make a difference in another’s life - rich or poor, smart or well, you get the picture! And, in the process, change your own for the better! Now that is really priceless!

Hmm, maybe I should have bought that heap just as a reminder!!

Until next time…joy 2 u! ~C~