What to do when that “new car smell” eventually fades.
There’s something special about the new car smell, especially when it’s your first. For most of my life, I’ve purchased used cars. For various reasons, I felt it was a wiser choice to buy used due to the diminishing value of new vehicles. However, a few years ago, an opportunity presented itself for me to purchase a new truck.
At the time, I worked with a client who had access to employee discounts from a local car dealer. This discount amounted to almost 20% off the sticker price. This opportunity meant no haggling, negotiations, or runarounds—the only requirement was selecting whatever truck I wanted from the lot.
I walked out to the lot full of different trucks and found the “perfect” truck after walking the entire lot. It was a blacked-out special edition with everything I wanted on a truck. After selecting the truck, I went to the office, signed the paperwork, put down my deposit, and drove off with my new ride.
I still remember driving with the windows up for a long time. The reason was that I wanted to hold unto the “new car smell” as long as I could. I knew it would eventually disappear, and I did my best to preserve it. Every day I would open the door and notice how it still smelled “new.”
Finally, one day, I can’t remember precisely when it happened; the “new car smell” was gone. In its place were various scents of whatever I used the truck for that day. Somewhat hard to describe, it smelled “normal.” Somewhat disappointed, I soon realized I didn’t “lose” the new car smell but instead replaced it with memories.
Now over six years later, the truck has stories to tell. From driving almost the entire east coast with my family running away from a hurricane to hauling truckloads of debris from home remodeling, there are countless stories related to the truck. But, what I cherish most are the memories I have with my boys using it for adventurous exploration and life change.
My truck story reminds me of how often we long for that “new car smell” in areas of our life. Whether in our marriage, relationships, life, job, or even our walk with God. However, I encourage you to take note and realize that often, this desire is not deep and tied to superficial feelings.
For this reason, appreciate where you are now. For some, it may not be a good place. Use this to make a change or learn from the past. For others, it’s a nostalgic longing to relive “better” days. However, Scripture reminds us to count every day as a gift from God because he has a purpose and will use your situation for His glory. Therefore, make the most of today and what you have now.
In essence, realize that the new car smell will eventually fade but be replaced with something much more lasting.
Daily Directive:
Answer and Journal the Following
FAITH
Pray:
First pray for insight and understanding of God’s word. Then and most importantly, how to apply it.
Read:
Exodus 6: 5-9
Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the people of Israel whom the Egyptians hold as slaves, and I have remembered my covenant. 6 Say therefore to the people of Israel, ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. 7 I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the Lord.’” 9 Moses spoke thus to the people of Israel, but they did not listen to Moses, because of their broken spirit and harsh slavery.
FIRE
Echo:
Contemplate and meditate on or memorize the passage. What is God saying to you?
Show:
How will you apply this to your life ?
FURY
Share:
How will you share this with others?