Driving Through Potholes

It’s a metaphor.

Photo by Justin Wilkens on Unsplash

I had to take my truck in for service.

The truck itself informed me.

A little light came on the dashboard. It was the picture of a cute little engine. It had been there all along invisible and waiting. I have seen it before on occasion. When it wants my attention it glows yellow. This is never good.

So I drove the truck to a well known car part place and the fellow there was glad to plug his little computer via cable into a receptacle under the dashboard and pull down a message in code. We then went back inside and he searched a website to find what exactly the truck wanted to tell me.

It told me.

So I contacted the service department of the dealership I use and scheduled an appointment.

The next day I drove the truck in and like a worried parent waited there for the bad news.

It came.

I approved they should proceed with the delicate surgery and a few hours later I was delivered the same truck minus the blinking light.

So I paid the nice people and drove off feeling much lighter — in the wallet, but also thankful that in spite of the hassle, I was still driving.

Then I used my incomplete knowledge of history to recall Henry Ford and the cars that came off the first assembly line. They were amazing for their time. I also recalled that the light bulb was pretty life changing as well. Railroads preceded cars and when they came out they changed the course of civilization as well. Before them people were riding horses and walking a lot. I finally concluded that everything about my truck and surrounding it that were made by men and women would not exist if they had not been invented and then produced. I wondered how man people present and past have influenced my life in some way. I have no idea but expect the number is extraordinarily high.

Here’s my conclusion.

Everyone who drives will hit potholes on occasion. They are annoying and sometimes do a lot of damage, but the presence of potholes is not a reason not to drive. We just have to deal with them and move on. Besides, there are people who fix potholes and axels for a living.

And the alternative?

To make canyons out of pot holes.

Have a great day, unless you have other plans.