Transmission Problems and Brilliant Blessings

Thanksgiving weekend, 2024, I took a road trip to Idaho to spend the holiday with my brother and his family. I pulled into the gas station in Snowville having had no car problems and departed with a car making strange noises as I shifted gears. I surmised that it was likely a transmission problem. Not good! Considering I was about as far from my brothers as I was from home I continued on. The car engine seemed fine, no engine lights came on, and there wasn't any smoke. During my time in Idaho I did not drive my car anywhere so I kind of forgot about the noise, until I headed home. Once the car was in 5th gear the noise wasn't as bad so I kept driving and made it home.

I took the car to a mechanic and it was confirmed that the transmission was indeed the problem. With a hefty price tag to fix it, and as one might imagine a fitful, tear filled few days in association with this challenging inconvenience, I decided to try and sell the car "as is" and go without a vehicle for a while. That is the outline for the transmission issues let's move on to the blessings. Some may wonder how there could possibly be a blessing attached let alone multiple blessings.

For almost two years I went without a car and relied on my own two feet and public transportation and survived quite well. Granted, I was in England where buses, trains and the tube are the main sources of transportation for most people and where communities are walkable. For the most part, getting around Madison, in a similar manner worked well. When I returned to Utah I did not anticipate needing public transportation so when I looked for a flat I did not take those needs or options into account. However, as He has before, God had a hand in every detail because I believe He knew what I would need long before I did. I am in awe of the tender mercies God put into place in my little world without me realizing any of it at the time. One other point is I had been praying for help to see where I could cut back on expenditures and save more.

As this scenario went down, I started looking at my options and found blessings in abundance:
1. There is a bus stop across the street from my building and the bus ride is about 10 minutes and stops across from work.
2. I will be teaching on campus at Ensign college this next semester and the same bus stops across from the college.
3. The bus runs pretty much 24/7 which covers far beyond my needs.

In England I walked to church most of the time and it was a 45 minute walk so ...
4. The 20 minute walk to church now is fantastic.
5. The supermarket is not far but a little further than a decent walk when carrying heavy bags, but they have a delivery service. Honestly, I think I save money because I don't wander past things I think I need them and add them to the cart. I make a list, enter it on line, pay for it, schedule a delivery time, and they drop it at my door. 
6. The firm I work for has a work truck that I can use for work meetings and such if needed.
7. My ward family is fantastic and I have had multiple offers for rides and help if needed.

This list only touches on the main concern points, there are so many other aspects where I have seen His hand and been made aware of blessing and mercies that I would not have seen otherwise. I have also seen how previous experiences have prepared me to handle this in a more positive and calm manner, other than the come-apart that occurred at first.

God is in every detail of our lives. If we look we will see the beautiful orchestration of events, timing, blessings, and tender mercies in our lives. I am grateful for a broken transmission and the healing power of God that changes, inspires, and touches my heart, especially in those moments when I might wonder if He is really there and if He knows who I am and is aware of my circumstances. In His grace He shows up exactly how I need even if it doesn't make sense at first. This has also helped me be more aware of others may be facing in their lives.  

Happy Christmas! May you see the sweet blessings from Heaven in your life.

​Cheers!