The weather was beautiful this morning, with plenty of sunshine, low humidity, and a light cool breeze that was very refreshing and energizing. I was well into my usual route when something in the gravel and dirt just a few feet in front of me caught my eye as the sun was reflecting off of it. Upon reaching the object, I realized that it was a long silver-colored screw about four inches in length (pictured above). I picked it up and carried it with me for fear of someone, possibly me, running over it and getting a flat tire from it. I know, from experience, how easily that can occur. Just a few days ago that very thing happened to me.
I had been on my way to buy a few groceries and other supplies when I noticed that the "low tire pressure" warning light had come on (one of the high-tech features of newer automobiles for which I am thankful). I checked the tires and all had below normal pressure, but one was particularly low. So I stopped at a local station and put the recommended amount of air in each tire and when I started the engine again, the warning light was off. This lasted for one day.
When I got in the car the next morning and started the engine, the warning light came on again, so I headed to the tire store and asked them to check it out. They took the car in and after just a few minutes, one of the managers walked out to where I was sitting in the waiting area. As he approached, he held out his hand and said, "We found the problem". In his hand was a metal screw, shorter but larger in diameter than the one pictured above. He said that the tire was repairable and it was being worked on. Okay, they pulled my car back out into a parking space, I paid for the repair, got in my car and ran my errands. Since then, in the back of my mind, I often wonder how long that repair will last and I also have fears of the tires picking up another foreign object, going flat or blowing out, and I will be out in the middle of nowhere when it occurs. I know, I can't let those kinds of thoughts and fears deter me from going places and doing the things I need and want to do.
That tire suffered an assault or injury and, although it was repaired and taken care of, and it might continue to serve its purpose well, it will never be the same as it was before. It now has a "scar". When I thought about that, it began to remind me of all the different types of scars that people acquire...from the visible physical scars related to accidents, injuries, physical abuse, surgeries, etc., to the invisible scars on our hearts and/or our minds from mistreatment, emotional or mental abuse, neglect, misunderstandings, loss of loved ones through death, and broken relationships. Those invisible scars are often conveyed in a people's eyes, especially when memories of the past are brought to the surface. And even when life appears to be "normal" for them as they smile, move on, get involved in their careers, participate in family and social functions, and perhaps begin new personal relationships, their scars will serve as a reminder of past hurts and heartaches...and they are forever changed.
(Post and photo by C.J. - please do not copy or share without permission.)
