Commentary By Ashley McCleery

The North Jefferson News



For those of you who read my columns, you know I had a wreck several weeks ago. Although I haven’t written much about it since the accident, the consequence has been a huge part of my life the past six weeks.

The consequence? Six weeks without a car. Sadly, I wasn’t even able to get a rental car. Since my insurance decided to drop my family without notice when my dad missed a payment (his one and only missed payment in 22 years with this company) while in the hospital for 28 days, I was left to fend for myself. I’m not bitter or anything- well maybe a little.

Renting a car when you’re under 25 is supremely expensive, so I had no other choice but to bum rides from my friends. Suddenly, I became 14 all over again, depending on others to take me to school (well, work) and pick me up. My friends have chauffeured me to and from work, restaurants, movies, the grocery store and other random errands, all without complaint.

Note- I said they never complained. I, on the other hand, am a very different story. It just goes to show that no matter how many times I go to Africa or how much my heart cries out for the poor, I am still selfish.

After more than a month without a car, I was more than ecstatic to get behind the wheel yesterday. Granted, I was a nervous wreck because I hadn’t driven since my escapade, but I was so joyful to have my independence again. My cute silver bug is still in the shop enduring major reconstructive surgery, but I am so thankful to have a loaner car from the repair shop.

While reflecting on the past couple of weeks, I realized God will use anything to teach me, and this was no exception. I will now dispense the valuable lessons I learned while stranded in Birmingham without a car:

• When you don’t have any food in your pantry or a car to go to the grocery store, a walk down the road to the BP station is your best bet. A lunchable is a good meal.

• If people ask you why you’re walking everywhere, tell them they should be ashamed for wasting great exercise opportunity by driving everywhere. (Secretly, you want to open their door, push them out of the car and drive off).

• Always be nice to your friends because you’re at their mercy. They could just conveniently “forget” to pick you up. Thankfully, that never happened!

• Try not to envy everybody’s set of wheels, even the golf cart that maintenances your apartment.

• Thank God for best friends who gladly spend an hour each day just getting you from point A to point B.

• Never take for granted what the Lord blesses you with.

• Have patience.

• Praise God in all circumstances.