Day 1: Josephine

I met her not too long ago, resplendent in teal and itching to get out on the highway.

"Her name is Josephine," Mrs S. informed me over her silent protest, "But you can call her something else if you like."

The history of Josephine's name is quite delightful: she is named after Mrs S's husband, and is what he would have been called if he had been born a girl. After hearing that kind of logic, how could I doubt that we were meant for each other?!

"She'll always be Josephine," I assured Mrs S. And with that statement, I was committed.

Josephine is a gift to me on so many levels. My dear Jezebel, as she was affectionately called by some people, had been my faithful travelling companion for almost 14 years, hurtling down the highway with me, dazzling in peacock blue. She was privy to my joys as well as my sorrows, and she kept me between the lines when I would drive somewhere late at night, eavesdropping as I poured out my heart and my tears before God. But she was getting sick of the road; and, at almost 300,000 kms, she started to intimate that she was thinking of early retirement. Jezebel had come into my life when I was at a very low point - I had actually been forced to sell some of my treasured books to be able to afford the gas to go to my brother's home for Christmas that year! - and her sleek lines and economical nature were a good foil for my expansive personality.

But she was getting tired and I was asking God what to do as I couldn't afford - nor did I desire - a new car, but I needed one that would be reliable and give me years of companionship and service like Jezebel.

"We've heard mention of a car," some of my dear friends said. "It's older than Jezebel, but it's practically new."

And thus I was taken to meet Josephine. A 1994 lady, she had a mere 16,000 kms to her credit, and she had been cosseted in a garage for most of her life. I thought she was beautiful from the moment I saw her. God saw fit to provide the necessary funds for her, and now she's mine!

She bops sedately along the highway, reminding me from time to time that neither of us is as young as we once were; but she's not afraid to take on the young punks at traffic lights either ...

The timing around Josephine is a very special gift to me too. A couple of weeks ago, Dad in a sermon talked about how everything we do and learn should be used toward serving others and building up the work of God. That evening, having mulled it over all day, I asked God to use the TH and all that I have for this very purpose. And then a few days later He gave me Josephine!

Our first guests were Elliot and Oliver and, bathed in their enthusiastic approbation, she seemed to glow!

Josephine and I have already been on the highway a few times, admiring the scenery, enjoying our passengers, so thankful for the gift of grace that brought us together.

If you need a ride, give us a call!