Is your life in tune? Tuesday, Apr 10 2007

If you visit this blog often, you know I enjoy not only posting David Pulling’s stuff, but other people’s stuff that comes to my attention. Through the family email network, my sister from Bogalusa shared the following devotional piece that expresses a contemplative metaphor. I share it, unauthorized and unlicensed as usual, because somebody out there might profit from these thoughts from the pen of Florida pastor Tim Moffett (also the husband of my niece–We do a good job of keeping things in the family). The preface is my sister’s writing.

Janice writes, “I enjoy what others write and enjoy passing THEIR thoughts on to others when they are meaningful to me! I was digging through a file this afternoon in preparation for my KeenAger meeting tomorrow and came across this writing. It comes from a pastor in Panama City, FL written in their weekly mail out back in September, 2006. “

Is your life “in tune”?

The piano tuner was at the church this week. Hearing him down the hall, my first thought was, “What is that awful noise?” It sounded like the worst song ever written. I quickly discovered that tuning was not a pleasant experience.

I can understand why someone might want to avoid the “tuning” of their life.
But even with my limited musical knowledge I am aware that a piano must be tuned. It cannot be or sound like what it was designed to be or sound like unless it is tuned on a regular basis. The truth is that even the highest quality piano will need regular tunings. So, even if you’ve been “tuned” before it is possible you are due for another.

After awhile I noticed that not only was it the worst song ever written, but it seemed to be the longest song ever written. That is because all eighty-eight
keys and strings must be closely examined and evaluated. You see, mostly in tune is not much better than completely out of tune.

Is your life completely “in tune?”

In case you are wondering, not everyone can be a piano tuner. A piano tuner has to be able to know the right pitch. There is no sense tuning a piano to whatever sounds right at the moment. Instead, tuners carry with them a device which reveals the perfect pitch. The tuner is only as good as his ability to match that pitch.
Are you “in tune” with the right pitch?

I do not know how our church pianos fared this week. I do know that once our home piano needed a follow up session because things had gotten so out of tune. There is no sense in tuning if you are not willing to be changed… even if it is harder than you might want.

I pray that you will invite God to test and adjust all the strings in your life this week.
Your pastor (Tim Moffett)—

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Car Buyer’s Log: Entry 1 Tuesday, Apr 10 2007

I’ve been rehearsing and strategizing all spring for getting a third family vehicle so the little high school graduate will be indpendent and free once she hits the world of work and college this summer (not to mention I can have my pickup back to myself!). So I’m getting ready to wheel and deal. Here’s the thread of correspondence I initiated yesterday with our local Toyota dealer, Courvelle Toyota in Opelousas, Louisiana.

The first entry is the saleman’s response to my initial internet query. He wrote,

“Mr Pulling my name is Eric Halpern and I sell here @ Courvelle Toyota. To answer your questions we do have some black camry’s new and the price that I can sell you an automatic car will start @ 19,490 plus tax title and lisc. I guarantee that I will save you the most time and money. Please call me to set up an appointment so I can show you what I have to offer. I look forward to here from you.
Best wishes Eric S Halpern “

That’s a good basic beginning to the communication. I replied as follows:

“Nice to hear from you, Eric. My wife’s bringing her own 2005 black Camry in tomorrow to the body shop at 2:00 so your co-workers can fix the trunk latch (you know how it is, those cheap Japanese cars!). If I’m not too busy at work, I may tag along with her. But I have to tell you, I won’t buy her a new black Camry unless she really wants one, or if my 18 year old daughter wants Mom to get a 2007 black Camry so the daughter can have the 2005. Women are quite complicated, in case you haven’t learned that. But I’m dear old dad–I do my best to placate them, and fortunately the end result is usually good.

David Pulling
http://dpulling.wordpress.com”

Now, I reasoned, I would find out if Eric has a sense of humor. Eric replied as follows before the end of the day yesterday (Monday):

Mr. David
I’m pleased that you were able to reply to my email. Tomorrow I will arrange to have a new 2007 Camry around to show your wife and daughter the new features and what has changed for the new generation Camry. As a family familiar with the Camry and the Toyota product I will refrain from selling the car ,but merely show the features, the advantages and the benefit of those features.( because the car practically sells itself)Tomorrow will be a time for your wife and daughter to gather information and for me to answer any questions they may have. I do hope you are able to find a few minutes so I can show dear old dad what investment his money maybe going towards.

Notice I’m addressed now as “Mr. David.” (I like that–it shows he’s apparently a young man, and he’s taken clues from my correspondence that I’m an “elder.”) He continues to show a little sense of humor, and I like that, too. Here’s my latest reply to him, sent this morning, in which I take a little more risk, assuming that he has a good nature upon which I can prevail:

“Hmmmmm–Sounds like you’re on the girls’ side, Eric. I guess I’ll have to watch you closely–My Dad always warned me about “slick talkin’ salesmen,” especially car salesmen. You realize that appealing to the weaker sex’s impulse and desire for pretty little things (like new cars?) borders on unprofessional and solicitous manipulation? Yes, young man, I will be watching you closely!

To your credit, you addressed me as “Mr.” David, which shows you have good upbringing. So, for the time being, I must continue to give you the benefit of any doubt. You also sign your messages “Have a blessed day,” which shows further evidence of character. And, you are prompt in your replies, showing a responsible business ethic.

On those grounds, I cautiously look forward to meeting you. Just be careful how you manipulate the ladies’ when you show them the car!

See ya’ later, (hoping the rain stops b/c we can’t bring that car with the trunk tied shut across the Parish in the rain),
David Pulling “

Eric’s final reply (to the message above) shows a certain deference but also a tone of sales-savvy coyness. Hadn’t I better watch my pocketbook?:

“Mr. David
I have a car picked out to show the women in your life and it will be out of the weather under a canopy to protect them from the elements. As for a little back ground on myself I come from a small family, both my parents are teachers of 32 years. I also am happily married and have been for 7 1/2 years with two boys of my own.Your are correct as for young I’m 27years old and have been selling cars for 8 years and 3 of them with Courvelle Toyota.
As for what will be accomplished today is merely a show and tell session. Thanks again for the response and the kind words. Best wishes Eric S Halpern.”

That’s where we’ll leave it for now. By the end of the day, perhaps there will be more, or maybe even “the rest” of this story.

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