WELCOME TO GROWN UP JAKE: NEW CAR

It was the first one but the last one to actually sign his life away. Jake knew it was time to buy a new car and he wanted to make sure he was doing it right. Although he had bought cars in the past on his own, this was to be the car he chose…chose to last a long time. Can you remember that first time? I remember buying my first car right out of college. It was a VW Rabbit with a stick shift. Kimmer taught me how to drive it in the stadium parking lot the day before I was moving back to Santa Barbara to get my masters. But, this time it was our son buying it. We were not co-signing it so it was going to be up to him to make the payments! Early on we ( that is Kev, myself, and our good friend Bruce) saw this 2015 Honda Civic . It was in mint condition, low mileage, great gpm, good price, roomy, easy to drive, and pretty! But, just like Jake, he had to look at other cars just to make sure he was getting the BEST deal. When the finance person came out to give him what he could qualify for, the APR, the “ bottom line” monthly payments he automatically said “NO” ( confession: when she told us the interest rate I said a bad word instantly and it wasn’t the word “no”) Everyone laughed as Jake and I went in her office to sign the paperwork. You see, Jake had asked for Kev to come to check out the potential cars and I was there for the financial transaction, and Bruce, well he made sure Kev and I did both are jobs for Jakes sake. It’s another step towards being a “ real” grown up. Since April Jake has graduated from college, got his first apartment, quit his “safe” job and started a new job, and now is in debt with a reliable car! Through the process I have seen how Jake makes decisions and I can say we are both very proud of him. Before he signed any of the paperwork he read over EVERYTHING. Now, some could say that was annoying, lengthy, and not necessary because it’s all the same. But this was his first time and it was worth all the hours we were there. We started out with prayer and ended in prayer. To God be the glory. So, what’s next? A puppy? A girlfriend who could be a potential wife ( I’m just saying)?, a photography trip in Patagonia? Who knows…but Kev and I are confident that , with the process he went through to buy this car, he will be able to make the best decision for his future, But, the MOST important element of his future success is through the guidance of Jesus. Some of you may be in a situation right now where you could use some guidance with your future decisions. Jesus says “ put your trust in Him and He will make your path straight”. I would encourage you right now to reach out to Him in prayer, or a friend in Jesus, so that you too can be confident that your path is in accordance with His plan. It is when you are in that “ sweet spot” that you will find peace and everlasting JOY. Congrats Jake!!