There is seldom a situation that I can’t learn something from. If I really stay aware of my surroundings and read what is happening in my interactions with others, I can learn amazing things…about the world, about myself, about humanity.

I left Denver yesterday morning to go to the mountains for a few days. As I accelerated onto the interstate, my truck engine started missing and the “check engine” light came on. If you remember correctly, this happened just a couple of weeks ago when I was heading into the mountains pulling my trailer and I had to get towed back to town. This time the light went off and I prayed my way to the same Ford dealership with the engine running a little rough but running nonetheless. It turns out I had a cracked spark plug. I had all six replaced as well as the coil boots…something you have to have done if your spark plugs have been arcing because that burns holes in them. Water can leak in and then you have bigger problems with your electrical system.

While I was waiting for the diagnosis, I talked with a sales person about the possibility of getting a newer truck. There was a nice truck, 2013, 25K miles, all the bells and whistles, and she gave me a price. I set to dickering and she copped an attitude with me. In the past, I might have capitulated and tried to win her favor and maybe find myself with a truck that was too expensive. They have an interesting ritual in the sales room. When someone signs the papers for a sale, the salesperson hands them a big bell, the purchaser rings it, and the entire sales staff stops what they’re doing and applauds.

I was able to detach myself from the hype of the moment to really observe what was happening. The whole bell ringing thing, while fun for the purchaser, was intended for those still negotiating. It was very clear to me how easy it would be to want to be the one who gets to ring that bell and have everyone applaud. What a brilliant ploy! I caught the salesperson positioning me where I could see the bell ringers. I caught her watching me for my reaction. When I said I wanted to wait and see what the service department said, her displeasure was palpable. That was when I thanked her for her time, and her complimentary bottle of water, and excused myself to the waiting area.

As it turned out, the repair was fairly simple and even though it was a surprise, it was doable in the budget and I was back on the road in about three hours. The truck now runs like new and I went from getting 12 MPG to a whopping 22.2 MPG just from new spark plugs! So, the moral of the story is…detach yourself from emotionally charged situations and pay attention to your surroundings. There are teachers there!

❤

““ ‘If anyone sins because they do not speak up when they hear a public charge to testify regarding something they have seen or learned about, they will be held responsible.”

Leviticus 5:1