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The article emphasizes the importance of living life with intention and purpose, which can be applied to the auto repair industry. By focusing on leaving a positive legacy, auto repair business owners and employees can prioritize exceptional customer service, build trust-based relationships, and invest in the development and well-being of their team. This approach can lead to a more successful business, higher customer satisfaction, and a lasting impact on the community. The concept of working and living "backward" encourages individuals in the auto repair industry to consider the legacy they want to leave and make decisions that align with those values, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful career.

Where, oh where was winter this year? Oh where, oh where could it be? With warmer days, and little snow, I’ve been filled with so much glee! Is this a tune you’ve been singing along with me this winter season? Typically, I am yearning for a warm vacation this time of year—dreaming of eighty-degree temps and sunshine somewhere in the south where I might be able to defrost and escape the frozen tundra. The dreary cold days of winter weigh so heavily on me that I don’t know if I can take even one more flake of snow by the time we march into March. But this year, it’s a whole different story! My three-mile daily morning walks, marked in previous winters with a little dread, layers of clothing, frozen nostril hairs, and frosty eyelashes have been refreshingly brisk and more enjoyable this year. And with so many days when snow pants haven’t been needed, I’ve even had more spring in my walking steps without the bulkiness of the pants slowing me down. Speaking of more spring in walking steps, I’ve learned a new way to walk that I want to share with you. Last summer, I did a Bible study called “Our Father: A Study of the Lord’s Prayer” by Becky Harling with my beloved mother-in-law and daughter. It was a sweet time as we learned how to best pray with the best teaching from the Lord Himself. I’m an acronym girl. And I needed a way to remind myself how to pray like Jesus after completing the study. WALK became my word. W orship the Lord A sk audaciously L ean into His will K eep forgiving Though I have not always prayed like this, learning to do so has changed my perspective—taking my time with Jesus off of me and my desires and turning it to Him—making it into a worship sesh where I praise, honor, and yield to what He has for me. In doing this, the bad and the ugly moments of life move from fear, anxiety, and all of the negative emotions to "it is well with my soul". And the good and beautiful moments of life move from simple gladness to deep and utter gratitude to God. Oftentimes prayer can be a list of wants and desires, completely devoid of bowing down and worshiping a holy God that we have the freedom and privilege to come to in prayer. As I have learned to better pray, my WALK with Him has become more intimate and more meaningful. Let’s walk a little further together. “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’” Matthew 6: 9-13 Since this isn’t the way we talk in our everyday lives, the Lord’s Prayer might sound complicated. But when we break it down, it’s so chock full of goodness that we realize Jesus knew just what He was saying when He taught us to pray like this. (W) Worship the Lord. We lift His name on high. We sing of His mighty works – we might even start our prayers with a great worship song. We praise Him for loving us and for saving us through His Son. We thank Him for all the things—the big and little things—anything that makes our hearts swell even a little. For the breath in our lungs, for the food in our bellies, for the day He has already planned ahead, and even for the warmer-than-normal winter! When we worship like this, with grateful hearts for what God has done and for Who He is, He gives us a new perspective. And the grumblings we might otherwise have start to fade away as we bask in His goodness. (A) Ask audaciously. We ask great big things in great expectation that God can do them. He is the Mountain Mover, Great Physician, Prince of Peace, Miracle Worker, Wonderful Counselor, Shephard, Provider, Protector, etc. We can come to Him and ask for big things because we know He can deliver them. He can move mountains, heal bodies, bring peace that surpasses our understanding, work miracles, give wisdom, guide, provide, protect, etc. But, when we first come in Holy Worship, the things we ask for start to change as He changes our perspective and helps us to remember all He has already done and reminds us that His ways are not our ways and His plans are good—even in the struggles and trials of life. (L) Lean into His will. After worshiping and asking, our hearts become so full of knowing all that God is and all that He can do that we are able to lean fully into His will. But, this is perhaps one of the hardest parts of our WALK. Worshiping and asking are things that we actively do. We are good at doing things. But are we good at being still and knowing that He is God? Are we good at leaning into what He knows is good for us? Leaning is not being lazy, leaning is having faith and trusting God with it all. Leaning is dying to self and clinging to the One who has our best interest in mind. (K) Keep forgiving. Forgiveness is hard. Forgiveness is constant. Sometimes memories creep in and we have to forgive all over again - taking every thought captive and making it obedient to Christ. Forgiveness is not for the faint of heart, it is for the faithful in God. He wasn’t kidding when He said we would need to forgive seventy-times-seven. We have hearts that feel easily wronged so we have to keep forgiving the little things and remembering how we are forgiven for the little things that we have done. But what about the big things? The things in life that are unfair and unjust and leave us completely undone. The things we never even fathomed could happen, but they did. And everything in us wants to hold onto anger and unforgiveness because the person who wronged us is unworthy of our forgiveness. But the truth is, our unforgiveness hurts us more than the other person—it keeps bitterness in our hearts and disrupts the relationship we have with Jesus. Forgiving doesn’t necessarily mean reconciling or opening the door to more moments of hurt or pain. Forgiving means laying the wrong at the foot of the cross—all the wrongs—the big ones and the little ones, and living in the peace that God gives us because we have been obedient in our forgiveness of others. Is that it? You may think that my WALK acronym left out the “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” part. But here’s the deal: WALK is a two-parter. As we pray with this acronym, we also learn to DO the walking. So, when we literally walk with Jesus—by being in His Word, following His ways, and praying like Him, He not only leads us away from temptation, but He shields us from the evil one. Now that, my friends, is the best way to WALK triumphantly. Since we are talking about walking and we cannot walk everywhere we go I wonder if we can also use the acronym WALK differently in the automotive world. I also wonder if we can weave our new automotive acronym back into our faith walk as well. Let’s give it a try. W ait patiently A sk Questions L isten carefully K eep maintaining (W) Wait Patiently. Just as we wait patiently for divine intervention or guidance, in auto repair, patience is key when dealing with complex issues or waiting for diagnostics or repairs to be completed. We live in a busy world and we want our vehicles back ASAP. But have you ever considered all that goes into caring for your vehicle? Here’s the process: · Details of concerns or services must be documented by the Service Advisor for the technician. · The vehicle is then dispatched to one of the technicians. · The technician test drives the vehicle, assesses it based on concerns, diagnoses problems (which can be simple or complicated), and inspects it. · The findings of all that was inspected are returned to the Service Advisor who estimates costs and sources parts. · The Service Advisor then calls the customer to share and help prioritize findings as well as receive authorization for service(s). · Meanwhile, the technician may be assessing another vehicle by the time your authorization is obtained. It’s not a huge struggle—it’s just a juggle. And because the Service Advisor is also juggling several cars by completing estimates and contacting customers, it’s a real balancing act to keep all the pieces in perfect play. · After your authorization, the Service Advisor needs to order the parts – are they immediately available or will there be a shipping delay? Sometimes they need to order different parts from different suppliers while ensuring they all arrive around the same time. Other times extended warranty companies need to be called. And if you know anything about warranty companies, you know it’s a real crap shoot of when you might finally get ahold of a human being after waiting on hold for hours on end. · The repairs and maintenance can be performed once the parts arrive and details are settled. · When services are complete the technician takes the vehicle for another test drive to confirm the problem(s) is fixed. · Then the Service Advisor can coordinate pick up or delivery as well as payment for your vehicle. Maybe you’ve never fully considered all that goes into taking care of your vehicle from start to finish. But clearly, being patient is a key component to making sure the process goes smoothly. (A) Ask Questions. In the same way, we ask questions of God and seek His understanding in our circumstances, in the automotive world, asking questions is essential to understanding the issues affecting your vehicle. At times, customers can be intimidated by the auto service process or they might not understand the mechanics behind certain issues. That’s okay. That’s why you build a relationship with the service team—so they can guide you through the process. They are happy to answer questions, and if they don’t know, they are happy to get answers for you. Don't hesitate to inquire about unfamiliar terminologies, recommended repairs, or the reasoning behind certain diagnostic procedures. By actively seeking knowledge and understanding, you empower yourself to make informed decisions regarding your vehicle's maintenance and repairs, fostering a sense of confidence and control in the process. (L) Listen Carefully. Just as we must be still to listen and discern what God is saying to us in our walk with Him, listening carefully to expert advice from automotive professionals is crucial for maintaining and repairing your vehicle effectively. Pay attention to their recommendations, explanations, and insights regarding your vehicle's condition and necessary repairs. By actively listening and considering their expertise, you can make informed decisions prioritizing your vehicle's safety, performance, and longevity. You can also return to the (A) and ask more questions for clarity. I’ve been in the automotive industry for many years and one thing that some consumers have been known to say that really chaps my hide is “they keep trying to upsell me”. What does that even mean? If you are at a restaurant and your server asks you if you want an appetizer, are they trying to “upsell you”? Or are they trying to make your taste buds happy with a little meal before your meal? If you are at the doctor and they tell you that you need a medication for what you came in for as well as a surgery for something else they discovered, are they trying to “upsell you”? Or are they taking the best care of you? When you equip yourself by asking questions, listening, and seeking professional guidance regarding vehicle repairs or maintenance recommendations, you have the power to make informed decisions. Just like you can say you don’t want the appetizer, the pills, or the surgery, you can say you don’t want whatever it is your Service Advisor is recommending. As their name suggests, they are there to advise you in the service process, not to “upsell you”. Listen carefully, ask questions, and make decisions. That’s good walking! (K) Keep Maintaining. Lastly, just like we need to maintain a good relationship with Jesus so we can stay spiritually and emotionally healthy, in the automotive realm, it's important to maintain a consistent schedule of preventive maintenance to ensure your vehicle's longevity and reliability. Regularly scheduled maintenance, such as oil changes, fluid exchanges, tire rotations, and alignments, helps keep your vehicle performing at its best. Not only that but proactively maintaining your vehicle regularly gives your mechanic the ability to assess your vehicle at regular intervals to identify potential issues early on and prevent costly repairs down the road. All this talk about walking makes me think of the familiar phrase “ Don’t just talk the talk, but walk the walk”. What a good piece of advice that we can apply here. Even before spring officially springs, let us put some spring in our steps as we carry out these new ways to WALK . WALK in your prayer life, WALK with Jesus, and WALK confidently during the auto repair process.

Do you feel the love in the crisp air of February? Do you express affection for your loved ones in grand or subtle ways? Are you in a lighter, happier mood as you join John Paul Young in singing “Love is in the air, everywhere I look around” … “Love is in the air, every sight and every sound”? Or would you rather just skip this month dedicated to all things love because love has been difficult or challenging for you in one way or another? Have you ever thought that perhaps February, particularly Valentine’s Day, has become excessively commercialized? With all the hype, pressure, and high expectations, Americans spent nearly 26 billion dollars on Valentine’s Day last year and it’s expected to rise this year. As so many try to find the perfect gift, plan the perfect date, and profess their love perfectly, does this pressure for one single day detract from the genuine goodness of simply loving one another well all year round? If love were a constant presence, would there even need to be a day dedicated to extravagant displays of love? Additionally, for those lacking love in their lives, is this month a little extra difficult to get through? If we were to imagine a love continuum, ranging from a lack of love to a complete abundance of love, where would you place yourself today? When considering where to place yourself on this continuum, do your thoughts revolve around how others love you, or do you focus on how you extend love to others? Perhaps it's worth considering that these two aspects are intricately connected. In my experience, it seems that the love we receive is often a reflection of how we love others. However, it's not about loving in order to receive, rather, it’s being so filled with love that it naturally spills over onto those around us. But if you are not filled with love because nobody is filling you, how can you possibly overflow with it? Certainly, you cannot pour out love if your “love-cup” is dry. And you cannot expect other people to do the work of filling your “love-cup”. So where do you go to fill it up? You must go to the well that never runs dry—to the One who IS love (1 John 4:16)—to the One who makes us strong in His love (Eph 3:17)—the One who loves us and shows us how to love so that we can better love others (John 13:34). Notice I didn’t say, you “must get” from the well, but instead you “must go” to the well. Getting is not costly. Going is costly (time, energy, effort). You must pick up the “love-cup” that is your heart and daily visit the well where the Living Water awaits to fill it past its brim to overflowing. Maybe you are skeptical about this recipe for love. If so, I wonder, have you ever tried it? I love a good tried and true recipe! Over the years, I have collected many, altered some to make them better, and developed my own—both with and without gluten. It fills my soul with joy to cook for others and delight their taste buds with my creations and cooking abilities. Though I still get occasional opportunities to cook for my children when they come home, I cook far less than I used to. But when we seek to bless and love others through our God-given gifts, God opens new opportunities to use them. One way He’s done that for me is by giving me a whole shop family to make great big meals for once a month. Last year, I made my “famous” (and a top favorite at the shop) Taco Lasagna. One of our newer team members, Brady had never had the dish before, really enjoyed it, and asked me for the recipe. Since I had put it on the gluten-free website I had recently created (another way to share my gift!), I sent the link to him. The following weekend, Brady and his girlfriend made my Taco Lasagna. He then reported back to me that it “wasn’t very good”. I joked with him and said, “Maybe because it wasn’t made with love”. But the recipe was perfectly fine, and if followed to the tee as others have done, it would have tasted just like the one I made for him at the shop. Let’s just pause here a moment so I can explain this peppy fun apron I am wearing in the photo. I am not keen on the word “boss” but when your whole shop family buys you a “Boss Lady” apron like this for Christmas (Was it out of love or expectation for more meals? We might never know…), you promptly wear it while you serve Taco Lasagna for the January lunch meal! Okay, back to the story… There are all sorts of good recipes in the world—for life, for love, and even for auto care. The question is, are we following them to the tee? When it comes to your vehicle, what recipe do you follow? There seem to be two tried recipes—Repair and Care. But the question is, are they true (proven good)? It’s no secret that a tried recipe is not always a true recipe. So what’s the difference? And if you tried it once, is it a bad recipe, or did you fail to follow all the directions? I recently heard a podcast where Gary Brecka was talking about the difference between repair and care when it comes to our bodies. He has a “care” approach where he emphasizes maintaining one’s health through a balanced whole-food diet (no sugar or processed foods), regular exercise, and supplementing based on individual needs. To help others understand he related it to the auto industry by stating, “A good mechanic fixes a car, a great mechanic keeps a car from breaking”. Would you say this is true? How do you approach auto repair? Like the love continuum we talked about, let’s now imagine a repair-to-care continuum. Where would you place yourself on it? Are you at one of the extremes or somewhere in the middle? Certainly, if you own your vehicle long enough, there will be repairs in the future. But do you know the value of preventative maintenance to keep your vehicle as healthy as possible? Several years ago, a new fleet company became a customer of Babcock Auto Care (notice the care in the name). The fleet company had previously been a customer of a repair shop. So, our way of doing auto care was a whole new concept. Previously, their vehicles would breakdown often and require emergency repairs. Inspections were only done to tell them the things that were broken or close to breaking. Of course, it is important to know what is broken on a vehicle, but our approach is different. We do digital vehicle inspections—not only to reveal what is in disrepair but also to share what is recommended to keep it at its healthiest. We share our findings and recommendations with customers and help them make informed decisions. I would love to tell you that the fleet company immediately understood and believed our care over repair recipe. But they didn’t. However, over time, as we educated them and showed them the value of maintenance, they began following our recipe and quickly catapulted to the care end of the spectrum. Though the payoff to this new way of auto care is not like happy taste buds after enjoying a new tried and true recipe, it does yield other great benefits as it becomes “true”. Here are some of the advantages to regular vehicle maintenance: Savings ° Helps identify and address potential issues before they become major and more costly repairs ° Longer life of the vehicle ° Higher resale value with a documented history of maintenance ° Maintains warranty so future problems have a better chance of being covered Smooth ° Ensures that all components of the vehicle are functioning optimally, leading to better fuel efficiency and overall performance ° Keeps parts well-lubricated with clean fluids and in good condition for a smooth and comfortable driving experience Safety ° Regular inspections include checking and maintaining systems (including the braking system, which is crucial for safety) ° Proper tire maintenance, including rotation and alignment, contributes to better traction and reduces the risk of accidents Peace of Mind ° Knowing that your vehicle is in good condition provides peace of mind and confidence in its reliability for daily use or long trips ° Fewer breakdowns If you haven’t yet tried this recipe of care over repair, I encourage you to give it a shot to find out how true it really is. Speaking of true things, let’s get back to the heart of the matter of love. Have you heard of the book, “Holiness, Truth, and the Presence of God” by Francis Frangipane? It’s a sweet book so chock full of goodness, that I often revisit it. In the middle of the first chapter is a statement that spoke so deeply to my soul that I paraphrased it, wrote it on a sticky note, and put it on my computer screen at work. Frangipane writes, “Truth is knowing God’s heart as it is revealed in Christ, and it is knowing our own hearts in the light of God’s grace.” This, my friends, is the heart of my recipe for love. When we go to the well to fill our “love-cups” with Living Water (time with God in praise, prayer, and in His word), we get to know God’s heart as it is revealed in Christ. And when we get to know His heart and feel the depth and breadth of His love for us and for all He created, despite our sins and flaws (the concept known as grace), then we start to be filled. What’s more, as the Living Water abundantly pours in, our cups begin to overflow (Psalm 23:5). In Psalm 23:5, David uses the expression about a cup overflowing to help us understand the abounding and overflowing nature of God’s presence, provision, protection, and power. God’s blessing on David wasn’t just for his life but it was designed to spill over so that it could bless others. The same holds true for you and for me. Are you taking your “love-cup” to the well that never runs dry? Are you being filled with all that God has for you? Are you using the gifts that God has given you, even the small ones (like cooking!), to allow His love to overflow from your heart and into the lives of others? As I have been writing this article a song keeps popping in my head. Have you heard of “Fill My Cup” by Andrew Ripp? I invite you to go there now, tap your foot to the beat, and sing it with abandon. Then join me back here… The chorus goes like this: “Fill my cup, Lord Run it over Give me love, give me joy Give me peace Fill my cup, Lord Run it over I am Your child in need Lord, I need You” Then an extra good chorus follows: “Fill my house up with hope Fill my plans up with purpose Fill my wounds up with healing Lord, I need You Fill my days up with meaning Fill my future with vision Goodness, grace, and provision Lord, I need You” Oh, my friends, how I want all these things for you! It really is the perfect recipe for love. Don’t believe me? Taste and see (Psalm 34:8). Follow my recipe for the rest of this month. Unlike the billions of dollars spent on love this month, there is no financial cost with my recipe! But it will cost something (everything good does)—it will cost time, energy, and effort. These things are our most precious commodities. But I can assure you from personal experience that your ROI (return on investment) will be 100-fold and you will find that my tried and true recipe for love will become yours too. Dear God, may we shift our focus of love in February from worldly things, that do not last, to You, the Everlasting One—the source of love who fills us to overflowing. As we begin to overflow, help us to use the gifts You have so lavishly given us to pour love into the lives of others. Thank You that we can love others because You first loved us. Your recipe for love is the only One we need. Amen.