Miracles & Connection at the Car Wash
With all the rain we’ve had, some dirt and grass kicked up from the landscaping team, and a “blessing” from my mother on my passenger-side window, it was definitely time to get my car washed this week. So, when I had a little extra time, I drove to the car wash where I had a half-off coupon.
When I pulled up to the window, the friendly attendant greeted me with, “Hi! You’re the first lucky customer to go through the wash. We had a mechanical issue earlier and it’s been down for a while.” What great timing, I thought! I handed him my credit card and the coupon, but before ringing me up, he double-checked with the maintenance team to make sure everything was operational.
It’s a good thing he did because it turns out the wash tunnel still wasn’t working. He apologized, handed back my card and coupon, and gave me a voucher for a free wash for a future visit. That was a nice surprise!
Since I was already there, I figured I could at least vacuum the inside of my car at their free vacuuming stations. A few minutes into cleaning my mats and seats, I noticed cars moving through the wash tunnel again. Apparently, the maintenance team fixed the problem, and I’d be able to get my car washed after all.
When I finished vacuuming, I circled back to the same attendant and said, “Hey! Looks like it’s working now. Can we try this again?” He replied, “Sure!” as I handed him my credit card and the half-off coupon. I decided to save the free voucher for another day since the coupon would expire soon.
As he reached for my card, I noticed words tattooed across his forearm. I could only see the first line, but it intrigued me, so I politely asked if I could read the second. He lifted his arm so I could see the whole tattoo as he read it aloud:
Be grateful for what you have
while you work towards what you want.
Pretty impressive wisdom from someone who couldn’t have been more than twenty years old. I said, “Wow. Those are great words to live by. Right on, brother!” His broad smile told me he appreciated the acknowledgment and he thanked me for asking before sending me through the wash. Honestly, that brief moment of connection brought me more joy than the free car wash!
Looking back, I see lots of lessons in this experience. Had I not been in a good head space, I might have been frustrated to drive all the way there only to find the car wash broken. Although my car really needed a bath and this was my window of opportunity, I knew getting upset wouldn’t change anything.
Instead, I accepted the situation, paused, and asked, “What can I do?” The answer was simple. (The best ones usually are!) Use the vacuum station. That small choice created the space for the miracles that followed. I drove away grateful for a clean car, a free voucher, and the miracle moment I shared with the wise young attendant.
As I witness so many upsetting things in the world over which I have no control, this felt like a powerful reminder to stay peaceful, stop resisting, and accept what is. From that place, I can ask what is mine to do (if anything) and then follow the guidance I receive. That’s when miracles happen.
If you’re facing something difficult, I would be honored to support you in finding acceptance and a peaceful path forward. I offer Spiritual Coaching Sessions and Private Family Constellations Sessions designed to help untangle old patterns and open the way for more peace in your life. You can learn more or book a session on my website.
Until next time, may you choose peace, trust divine timing, and let the car wash of life rinse away what no longer serves you.
I could see peace instead of this.
A Course in Miracles ~ Workbook Lesson 34