There is a chill in the air and color on the trees, a sure indication of the change in seasons. I welcome the change; this season of fear needs to change. Are you ready for something new and different?  I am. Let’s embrace the change of season as a welcome guest moving things in a different direction. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

It is a time of year that we look back on all our pursuits of the past racing season. That would hold true if this was a typical season, but this was not a typical season. For some the racetrack was not an option, closed. For others the schedule was fluid and planning ahead was very difficult; who knew where and when we would race next. Others had a shortened season but enjoyed the opportunity to be at the track pursuing their passion. This past year has seen so many adjustments made to the schedule and procedures that it didn’t resemble anything we had come to expect.

Speaking of resemblance, were you like me and had difficulty recognizing folks with their mask on? I know we hide behind figurative masks sometimes but these were physical masks and I found it hard to recognize people without seeing their nose and mouth. A quick pull down of the mask and the light went on, Hi, how are you, now that I know who you are. I hope we don’t get comfortable seeing each other masked.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; NLT;

For everything there is a season,

    a time for every activity under heaven.

A time to be born and a time to die.

    A time to plant and a time to harvest.

A time to kill and a time to heal.

    A time to tear down and a time to build up.

A time to cry and a time to laugh.

    A time to grieve and a time to dance.

A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.

    A time to embrace and a time to turn away.

A time to search and a time to quit searching.

    A time to keep and a time to throw away.

A time to tear and a time to mend.

    A time to be quiet and a time to speak.

A time to love and a time to hate.

    A time for war and a time for peace.

There is a time for everything under the sun and just when you thought you had seen it all along comes something different. Who’s with me, I am ready for something different? I am looking forward to the day when all masks are off!

It is said of man that he doesn’t know what he wants until he sees what he doesn’t want. We tend to be believers when we experience something. I have tried to explain many times to drivers about the need and use of safety equipment only to watch them experience injuries that they didn’t have too all because they didn’t think it would happen to them.

I have tried to help people avoid the dangers ahead only to hear them say they can handle it. My heart breaks when they struggle and there was a path that could have been taken to avoid the despair and agony of wrong choices. Sometimes it is best to heed the advice of someone who knows the way and avoid experiencing for yourself the hardships that can come on the learning curve. We seek out expert advice for the fear of tomorrow but many times we only consider it instead of following it.

A wet paint sign comes to mind, or maybe one that identifies something as hot. How many of us are prone to give a touch and check? I know there is a voice in each of us prompting us to check. There is another voice encouraging us to heed the warning. One is louder than the other. We need to practice tuning our ear to the right one.

During this season I wonder if we have been tuned to the right voice? There is a definite voice, overwhelming at times, filling is with fear. There is another voice reminding us that God has this all under control. Which one have we tuned ourselves to listen to?

2 Timothy 1:7; NLT; For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

A change of seasons affords us a chance to start over, refresh, renew and recommit ourselves to following the right path. Some of us just need to move on from where we are, away from the circumstances and situations we have been in. This is an opportunity to look at life with a fresh perspective and decide to live differently. The change of seasons is filled with hope that things can be different and still hold something for us.

This is a new season. One in which we need to listen to a different voice, God’s voice. He will provide the guidance and direction we need to be in His will. I encourage you to start practicing how to listen to the still small voice that comes from God. The voice that can and will change our lives.

Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.