I Was the Problem with My Car's Air Conditioning: Why We Must Ask for Help

For years I drove around with woefully subpar air-conditioning in my car.

I finally got it fixed last week.

The car wasn’t the problem. I was the problem.

People who don’t have a certain occupation, may not sufficiently appreciate the work rhythm of that occupation.

An office professional knows that a custodian will visit their office. They may not realize that the custodian is not going to clean “everything.” The custodian might empty the garbage bins, vacuum, and sanitize high-traffic surfaces, etc.

But the custodian may not clean the corner behind the bookshelf, unless it is highlighted as needing attention.

Unless someone outright asks, “I spilled coffee over there. Will you please help me out?,” the coffee stain may stay.

My car had been inspected and worked on numerous times over the years.

I thought the AC was never fixed because it simply couldn’t be fixed. “It’s an old car," I thought, “there must not be anything the mechanics can do about it.”

Thankfully, I was wrong. The AC is now working wonderfully!

Someone advised me to ask a mechanic shop if they would fix my air conditoning! 

I am reminded of Jesus asking the blind man, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51 NRSVCE). The blind man had to ask for sight.

May the memories of sweltering in my car remind me of the smoldering place that may await if one does not ask for mercy, for healing, for grace.

“For everyone who asks receives…” (Matthew 7:8 NRSVCE).