Have you ever experienced a flat tire? I certainly have had my share. Sometimes the flat tire was a function of cold weather, an embedded nail, a shard of glass, or an impactful collision with a poorly judged curb that got the best of me (well my tire)! When we begin to troubleshoot the flat tire we might consider: adding air, getting the tire patched, replacing the tire, or if the damage is extensive replacing the tire, rim, and seek wheel alignment too. Failure to address this in a timely manner or completely can create other problems with wheel alignment, premature wear on other tires, or steering challenges. So flat tires should be addressed quickly and thoroughly with investigation and identification of root cause and the corresponding corrective action.
What happens when we experience a personal "flat tire?" Meaning we have no energy, no get-up-and-go, no motivation, no inspiration, or no desire. This might be characterized by everyday tasks and routines taking much longer to complete or seeming so exhausting in the process. The added dose of caffeine doesn't help, the cold shower is a temporary boost, and the power nap turns into a "long winter's rest."
Similarly, if the "flat tire" moments in life aren't addressed in a timely manner with thoroughness, we may experience other issues as observed with an unaddressed flat tire on our cars. Last week, I had a "flat tire" moment, resulting from deviating from routine for a few days in a few different areas. Deviating from routine had delivered the same impact as a large embedded nail and a repair was needed! Sure I tried the patches of naps and coffee and even fooling myself because progress was being made in some areas. However, the overall efficiency, energy, focus, and consistency were "flat."
I needed a repair! Not fair. Not a patch. A full repair, including an alignment. An alignment to get me back to routine. Devotions. Rising early. Getting outdoors and moving. Eating what I know fuels my body best. Planning my day and pacing myself accordingly. Protecting the priorities by thoughtfully saying, "No."
Interrupters to routine might include vacations, family emergencies, unforeseen circumstances, weather, injury, etc. Interrupters must not shift routine or consistency to the point of deflating our air, thus creating a flat tire in life. During these moments, we adjust. We pivot. We learn and model resilience. We react in a way to restore routine and resume consistency as quickly and as best as possible.
This week, be mindful of the potential of a flat tire. Manage your time, decisions, conversations, etc. to avoid becoming deflated and derailed from routine and consistency.
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I want to close with a pause to reflect on and pray for the families directly impacted by the events of 9/11 - Remembering lives lost, service rendered, sacrifices made, and the changes to our nation's landscape from that day to today. God bless, protect, and keep the people of the United States of America!