I took my pick-up to the Ford garage to get fixed, and the estimate was way too expensive, so I decided to fix it myself. Tonight, Patty said her car had a bunch of issues, so I guess I must also fix them. None of the things that need fixing are big deals: a leaky radiator hose, a frayed connection on a battery cable, a window that won’t go up after you put it down, and a gas cap that won’t stay closed. Fixing things is part of life. I also have a leaky faucet in our house, a light switch that isn’t working, and a couple of other things that Patty has on my honey-do list.

Fixing relationships is a much more serious issue. Fixing cars takes a bit of knowledge and skill; fixing relationships takes wisdom and persistence. I ignore many of the car things and house things because it isn’t that big of a deal, and the inconvenience is minor. But I don’t ignore the relationship things because God says in His Word not to. Sometimes, I don’t know what to do because the person ignores me or simply won’t have anything to do with me, and my efforts to fix things just don’t work. I pray for them and ask God to give me wisdom and an opportunity to fix the relationship. I have it down to only two people now, and I will keep praying and trying. The Bible says to work diligently to be at peace with all people. I will do that. I would rather fix Patty’s car.