I stared at the buckeye trees and wondered, “Can I reverse the leaf damage?” The yellowing and brown-spotted tree leaves looked like they were suffering from too much sun or heat or too little water. There wasn’t anything I could do about the sun, so I watered. But the “picture this” app on my phone declared the trees healthy, perhaps too little sun and too much water. Maybe I needed to do the opposite, to reverse my thinking.
Reverse a vehicle
Driving a vehicle requires being able to reverse, especially backing into or out of a parking space or garage. But there are other uses for reverse, as in the case of our pickup truck.
One day, I got stuck in 4low and couldn’t figure out how to get back to 4WD or 2WD. Flipping the switch did nothing. I consulted the owner’s manual. The Vehicle Dynamic Control section stated: “The VDC system is automatically reset to on when the ignition switch is placed in the off position then back to the on position.” Nope.
An internet search turned up these discussion board answers to Wilmer’s 2014 post: “My 4 wheel drive is stuck in 4 low.”
BoholMark advised: “Drive in reverse as you switch back to 4Wheel high.”
TransAm77 added: “If that doesn’t work, try starting the truck put the transmission gear selector in neutral.”
Brenda wrote: “Thank you! I tried everything and then I read your post to put it in neutral and then push the 2d button and it finally went out of low 4w drive. What a relief!!” Yup.
Life-style reverse
I’ve gained 5 pounds since Thanksgiving—a reverse of what I wanted, that is, losing 5 pounds. Or losing the 10 pounds I gained twenty years ago.
Like many women, I put on weight in my fifties. The first few pounds seemed okay, since most of my clothes still fit. But the next few weren’t pretty, especially after my body rearranged itself.
When we moved to Vanaprastha in 2012, I set a goal to lose the extra pounds. I decreased consumption of processed food, salt, sugar, and alcohol while increasing my mountain road walks. As the numbers recorded by the scale slipped downward, I felt better, more energetic, relaxed, and lighter on my feet—literally.
But then my willpower slipped, and half the weight returned. Now I’ve slipped again. I could offer several excuses, but the bottom line is I must reverse direction to reach my goal. And for that, I need help.
What we cannot reverse
Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it. Numbers 23:20 KJV
Although the scripture refers to God blessing Israel spiritually and irreversibly, the same goes for those in Christ. He blesses us with Himself, with the new covenant. With righteousness, peace, pardon, the Spirit, grace, and eternal life.
And there’s no way to reverse that promise. Thanks be to God. He knows exactly what the buckeye trees and I need to stay healthy. The key is the reverse of my will: obedience.
Linkup with Five Minute Friday: https://fiveminutefriday.com/2024/06/06/fmf-writing-prompt-link-up-reverse/
I have also been on a similar lifestyle reverse in my quest toward bettering my health. Just last night I was in prayerful tears over my willful disobedience to what He has shown me is best for my health. Today is a new day and His mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness. God bless you, Carole.
Ah yes, the problem is willpower – our powerful will causing us to disobey God’s gracious will for us. Bless you, Cindie, and let us pray together for the Spirit’s guidance.
Carole, I can relate to the need to put my lifestyle in reverse and find a more healthy one. I exercise a lot more (walking and stationary biking) than I used to, and I watch my carbs and sugars quite a bit more. My main motivator is now Colleen, my wife. She has adopted her own version of reverse with healthier eating and exercise. Best wishes with your continuing journey.
Always good to hear from you, Richard, and my best to you and Colleen! -C.D.