One morning I woke up and my tire was completely, impossibly flat. My neighbor explained there must be a slow leak. His skilled hands rubbed a little water and soap on the tire. Then he cranked up the air compressor to identify where the air was escaping. After a few minutes he identified the hole and plugged it up.
“You’re as good a new,” he said.
I was stunned. What I thought would be a pricey new tire, was a simple, quick fix for a slow leak.
There were many times I felt as deflated as the tire on my van as a foster parent. I thought the fix would be complex. But over the years, I’ve learned that sometimes my problem is a slow leak that can be identified and plugged up.
I think everyone needs a neighbor like mine. Someone who has learned a little and is willing to share what they know to take care of the flat and get you on the road. While my mechanical expertise is limited, I do have a little experience fostering. I’ve learned that recognizing and being aware of my feeling is key. Sometimes, I just need to open my eyes and realize I need a little fresh air.
Everyone gets filled up in different ways. How do you fill up when you’re feeling flat? What’s you’re quick fix for a slow leak?