1969 Camaro Z-28

My first real car was a 1969 Camaro Z-28...I paid $1170 out the door for it which was actually a lot back in 1977. It was beautiful. There was never a speck of dust in it or on it. I made sure I washed, waxed, and pampered that thing. Armor All was a new product at the time and I remember reading a "Playboy" article saying if you Armor All you seats, and take a corner fast, your date will end up in your lap! I don't recall a time when It didn't have tire dressing and slippery seats. But I digress. It was showroom condition always!

Oftentimes I would find any excuse to drive it, even it meant the road to nowhere. Antiques have issues... Back in the day, there were no computer chips warning you of symptoms, only a speedometer, tachometer, and a fuel gauge. And because there was no warning bell or flashing light to remind me that I was low on fuel, I ran out of gas on more than one occasion. I had to manually check the spark plug gap, timing, and all fluids, and just by turning down the radio, many times as I took the time to really listen, I could determine if something wasn't just right.

Contrast that car with the one I have today...It was so dirty the other day, and I could barely see out the windows, so for the second time in as many years, I broke down, used a coupon and took it to the car wash. Wow! What a difference paying a little attention to detail makes. Oh, the engine light is on.

I wouldn't compare my marriage to an antique. Rather, it is a classic. A priceless gift that deserves my constant attention. Allowing my marriage to run low on emotional investment will leave me more than stranded on the side of the road. I need to "turn down" stuff, and constantly listen and look for areas that need a tune-up. If I want to avoid irreparable damage, I need to be alert, to listen for problems, and to ask questions.

I first thought that if I changed nothing about my marriage it would remain the same. On second thought, the longer I ignore the health of my marriage, the more quickly it will breakdown.

You know what I'm talking about...you do everything you can to win your spouse. After a few years and a few miles, you take stock in the relationship and realize you haven't "washed her back" in a while.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Cor%2013:1-7&version=NLT

Quicken the day when I get to see my Trophy Wife and Mom Bomb to pamper her once again.