It wasn't too many years ago when my car got totaled. I called Julie and told her that I just had an accident. She asked, "How's the car?"

She never liked my old one of a kind. "It's too big, costs too much to run and keep up and smells." She gave me that you know what I'm talking about look.

"John, get State Farm over there, get a rough estimate and let's get another one tomorrow."

The next day we drove into the lot that advertised, "One-of-a-kind autos driven by little old ladies." There, by golly, was a van winking at me. Perfect.

"It's red, John."

"Yes, Sugar Plum, but there's more than enough room for the grandkids."

I called a salesman over and told him that I wanted that car, but it was red. He said, "Don't worry, Grasshopper, all will be well."

He gallantly opened the passenger door and with a wave asked Julie to have a seat. In a Ronald Reagan voice, he said, "Isn't this nice? Can't you see your grandkids being safely driven to Toys R Us in this beauty?"

"It's red. ... Do you hear me? ... It is red!"

"Yes, it is, Mrs. Bressler, but you can't tell when you're in the car."

The salesman was a real pro.

170,000 miles later, the old red van just wasn't what she used to be. I wanted to bury her in the back yard, but since Julie felt this was not a natural thing for Presbyterian pastors to do, we must trade her in. When we drove old Red – as I liked to call her – into the dealership, the salesmen literally ran out the door. "What a classic beauty! Look, guys, it's red!

A couple of hours later, we drove home in a dark grey midsize SUV – used, but low millage – with smiles all around.

Accidents happen, things change and we all get older; however, unlike a car, we are not easily replaced.

I have often wondered why God built us the way He did. Some of us are like trucks, others sleek and low to the ground. And then there are those of us who break down easily and just don't last very long. We weren't given a contract at birth or a guarantee that promises we are top of the line, can perform with the best and live a long time if we change our oil periodically. All in all, God created us to live in this world for the time allowed, and leave this world when we have fulfilled our purpose. And what is that purpose?

Are we here to fight in a war, work an assembly line, create problems, solve them, build or destroy, or just live one day at a time and hope we make a difference?

It's been hard for me to accept this fact. I am not in charge of each day I meet, but must live each day with courage, integrity and faith. I can be kind and accepting, helpful and useful, positive and understanding.

Perhaps, God just wants us to live in such a way that everyone we meet feels worthy and understood. And with one last comforting thought, die happy!

Thanks, God!