Life can be like a car race, can’t it? Round and around we go on the track of life. Same old thing—day after day, night after night, then, back around again. That is, until we get run down, broken down, or in a total catastrophe, and find ourselves in the “pits”.

The pit stop is a necessary evil of car racing. Nobody wants to stop in the middle of the race, but it enables the car and driver to finish strong. By design, the pit stop forces the driver into a state of intermission. They need to stop for many reasons: refueling, adjustments, and repairs.

Do you every feel like you need that in your own life? An emotional recharge? Physical healing or repair? Spiritual reconnection? I know I do.

This past week was one of those times. I was forced to take a pit stop as I was in total engine failure. I had blown it with one of my kids. My reaction was just that: a knee-jerk emotional outburst.

In my moment of anger, my reaction and my words flew like sharp razors. I hurt her. And, I hurt myself. Honestly, it was not a proud mommy-moment. I needed to check myself and it required a time-out, a pit-stop.

Immediately, I felt shame and regret at how I reacted. I prayed fervently, unsure of what to do. I had spent so much emotional energy in my panic, that I was tapped out, on empty. I needed refueling and the only source, true source, is in relationship with Christ. So to him I went.

Within a few minutes of praying, I knew what I needed to do; ask my daughter for forgiveness. That is always hard to do. But first things first, I needed to say I was sorry, period.

To my dismay, she wasn’t very accepting of my apology, but I knew I had been obedient to God. And, regardless of how she responded, I still had to figure out how to put out the fires ablaze in this situation.

Being wired the way I am, I tend to be more of an island and want to manage things on my own. This self-sufficient attitude doesn’t always serve me well, especially in situations when I need help to solve problems bigger than myself.

In no way was this a life and death situation, but it was a very expensive mistake and we were left picking up the pieces and trying to remedy a situation that I felt never should have happened. I was angry at her for the part she played, and I was angry at the medical community for their negligence in the situation.

Regardless of who was at fault, the truth was my daughter needed me. And I needed my pit crew to help put out these fires. I began to reach out and ask for wisdom and advice. One amazing moment lead to another and by the end of the day, we had some much needed answers and hope.

Our key verse is about Josephs’ experience going from the pit to the palace. His faith was developed and strengthened by walking a difficult journey with God. But each “pit” stop of his story taught him valuable lessons in perseverance, leadership, and courage.

I am grateful for my pit crew. They all played a part this week in helping me get from point A to point B so I could get back on the race track of my life and finish strong.

How about you? Are there warning lights flashing on your dashboard signaling a much needed time-out? Do you need to rejuvenate, refuel, or recover from the injuries of life? Would you take some time this week to let God, and the crew he has strategically placed in your life, tend to you in order to finish strong?

Reflect and Respond:

What do you do when you find yourself in the pit stops of life?

Do you have a pit crew that helps you refuel and provides wise counsel? Do you try to do it all on your own? How does God fit into your pit crew experience?

Remember, you are not alone. If you’d like to share, tell us about your own “pit crew” and how they impact your life.