A  Punctured Tire

By Dean Kelly

I was driving from Montgomery Friday night. On the way home somewhere on US Highway 331 above Highland Home I heard the oddest sound. I cannot find the right word to exactly describe it. I was on the phone (handsfree) with my wife, and I said, “I think something may have punctured my tire. I hope not!” 

Well, when I got ready to leave the next morning to go back to Montgomery to do announcing for Faulkner University basketball, my front tire was as flat as it could be. There was no air left in it. It was Saturday, and we really couldn’t do anything about it. To make a long story a little shorter, after a very hectic early Monday morning we have hopefully worked it out.  It has, however, left me thinking.

Punctures are very aggravating. Isn’t it true that occasionally in our lives we have things that happen, words that are said, or circumstances that occur which puncture a hole into our security, peace of mind and life in general? It can be something that is actually quite minor. It can be something that will alter the future course of our lives. We all face those “punctures” from time to time.

Sometimes a puncture can be a blessing in disguise. When I got the tire to my mechanic, he said that it was dangerously worn, besides the puncture. While the puncture caused my tire to go flat sitting in my garage, that worn tire could have blown out going 65 up I-65 toward Montgomery. The aggravations of the puncture might have saved a much worse scenario from happening. So, as hard as it is to do right now, I guess I should thank God for a flat tire.

Punctured tires can be replaced. It might cost a good deal, but a punctured tire can be repaired or replaced. There is a cure for the punctured life as well. No matter what the cause of despair in our lives is, we can bring it to the cross and know that Jesus can help us handle it. Let us praise Him there.

Dean Kelly is minister at Highland Home Church of Christ.