I’ve been thinking a lot about cars recently. This isn’t a problem because I love cars and always have. My wife thinks I should think more about the house renovations, the garden and keeping the place tidy. But why would I? There’s really nothing inspirational about a brick box with a roof, rooms and widows that doesn’t go anywhere or cause the production of adrenaline. Actually, that’s not entirely true. When my beloved spouse of twenty something years finds I haven’t attended to the one household task I was supposed to have sorted 3 months ago there can be a rush of adrenaline at the moment of that discovery.
There are a number of features about cars that get my hormones racing. Power, beauty and speed. That’s right, I am a 45 year old boy racer. There, I’ve admitted it. However, I haven’t had a speeding ticket or smacked into anything or anyone for years. That’s not because I’m especially mature, it’s more that the spirit is willing but the body is weak. I just don’t like pain anymore and I certainly don’t want to inflict it on anyone else. Although if I was given the opportunity to pound round Manfeild race track for a day in a car or on a bike, I’d say yes without hesitation.
My son asked me recently whether I had any accidents as a teenager or been caught driving too fast? How do you answer that question? The truth really isn’t helpful and lying isn’t allowed, so I fudged. “Yes, I’ve had an accident and been caught speeding.” Then came the inevitable question, “How may times?” The honest answer? I can’t remember. It’s not a case of selective amnesia, it’s just there were too many to recall.
Every now and then a mate from Wellington comes to stay. We grew up together and have remained very good friends. Unfortunately his recall is much better than mine, which means he constantly relays stories of our youthful adventures to my kids without applying any appropriate filters. The upside is that my children look at me with a sense of renewed awe. The downside is confusion: words like “hypocrite” and phrases like “double standards” are suddenly thrown around when they remember my last instructions to, “not behave like an idiot.”
There’s an old saying that goes, “Be sure your sins will find you out.” Yes, it is a biblical passage from the book of Numbers in the Old Testament. It’s repeated differently in the New Testament, “What is hidden will be disclosed.” Essentially our actions catch up with us one way or another and it can often be good.
Most of us grow up and become more responsible as years go on. Nonetheless we can’t hide from what has been or keep it secret out of fear. It is of greater value to ourselves and those following us to talk about our past actions and how we reflect on them now. In doing so, what we have learned and survived will make a difference to another generation.
Cars are fun and fabulous, but the garden awaits. Now that’s maturity.