This Old Truck

“Teach your children well … and feed them on your dreams." ~ Graham Nash

Travis, as a general rule, hid his emotions.  They were vital intel he'd rather not share.  But today was different.  

Ever since Dad told him that he’d bought him a car for his 15^th birthday, and that it would be delivered today, Travis had worn the facial expression of a small child awaiting Santa.  He had a good feeling about today; nothing that felt this right could possibly go wrong.  

He woke early.  Last night’s dream placed him in the leather seat of a convertible sports car – with wind in his hair, the sun on his face, and the purity of nature’s bouquet.  Anticipation ripped through him like electrical sparks on the way to the ground.

But when a tow truck rattled down the street and into their driveway, blood drained from his face.  It wasn't the rag top he’d pictured in his mind.  Instead, the truck towed a hideous, rust-covered, 1946 Chevy pickup truck.  He could find no words to describe the repulsiveness of this two-door crap mobile.

“Happy birthday son,” his Dad said before instructing the driver where to park the old beater.  “I know it doesn’t look like much now, but give it a little time and sweat,” he paused, “and we’ll get‘er in tip-top shape.

For the next twelve months, the pair would work on the truck every afternoon and weekend.  It had taken forever to repair all the dents, remove the old paint, and locate new parts.  But a year later, after countless hours of labor and frustration, the re-chromed, gleaming two-tone (forest green with black fenders and running boards) boy-toy became the envy of the entire town.

There’s something magical and undeniably cool about finding an old vehicle and restoring it until it’s shinier than the day it rolled off the assembly line.  The dedication, the aggravation and the unadulterated passion for such projects make them so interesting.

But the education Travis gained did not end there.  In every disappointment there’s a lesson to be learned.  But it’s up to us to find that lesson.

One thing for sure - that truck stoked a lifelong friendship between him and his Dad that never before existed.  Working together he saw him in a different light, fueled by the appetite for something he loved to do while teaching his son valuable lessons about life.

It's all too easy for parents to be sidetracked right when their children need them most — during the teenage years.  Unfortunately, this is the time when the kids get busy with school, sports and youth group activities, and parents are at the peak of their careers.  Find a challenging activity that you both appreciate, then pursue it together with excitement.

Father, the teen years can seem arduous and never-ending.  As a parent, help me be more consistent … spend quality time with them … interact more lovingly … and worry less about the minor stuff.  Amen