Brenda’s Blog – October 22, 2024
Before traveling for over four thousand miles in the next month I went to my local auto shop to make sure my faithful “Red Ryder” GMC Terrain is all set. I carried enough work to make me productive during the wait. I also showed up to be in line for number one in their “first come, first served” system. Before the door opened for business my smiling face was at their front door. I knew there would be a wait, so I prepared. Sadly, I left my mid-morning snack in the car, so my stomach growled a bit!
Over an hour after opening, an older lady came flying through the door, running straight up to the service counter. “I called and you said if I got here early I could get my oil changed right away.” “Yes, but there are several ahead of you, so if you will sit down and wait we will get right to you.” But I need my oil changed right away – and this IS early for me!” Everyone in the waiting room did a synchronized eye roll.
It made me think of the phrase “high maintenance.” My car was receiving personal attention making sure all its “bodily fluids” were full before I hit the road. It didn’t demand attention — the horn didn’t honk, nor do the windows fly up and down.
On the other hand, when people are high maintenance they interfere with the natural order of things. They consider themselves first priority. They honk and honk!
She marched around the waiting room complaining about the way she was treated. “I can go to Walmart and get waited on right away – I can go to Big Sandy and get the oil changed in 10 minutes.” Her song had verse after verse, but the chorus was always the same “I am special; I am worthy of being put at the front of the line.”
She told everyone her life story, emphasizing what her life had been… yes, had been. She talked of being married, driving a Mercedes, living in a big house, owning a plane, and wearing fine clothes. Then she said “I don’t need any of that. My kids live in California, have lots of money, and have happy lives so I am just fine in my trailer and vehicle.” The service manager told her two of her tires were bald, and there were several other needed repairs. She totally ignored him, and walked out to her 17 year old SUV.
Sometimes high maintenance is a cry for help. Sometimes we need to step behind the demands and see the need. Our Father God calls us to see Him in everyone we meet showing the love of Jesus.