I have been privileged to be able to follow in the footsteps of Chuck Milhuff, the first NSRA Chaplain. The “Thy Rod” column was started by Chuck Milfuff during his 25 years as Chaplain. My first column was published in “StreetScene” magazine in January 1998. This page includes copies of the column from past issues of “StreetScene”.
Enjoy!
My First “Thy Rod”
THY ROD
PROVERBS 3: 5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
It is sometimes a puzzle to me how we arrive at the place we find ourselves in this life. Now I will be the first to tell you that I have not always been concerned about things of a spiritual nature. As a matter of fact, for several years, I was anything but what God would have me be.
In spite of my lack of concern, God still had a plan for me. (Just as he does for you!) I don’t believe my love for cars took the turns that they did by accident. I, like many of you, initially just wanted to be the fastest 1/4 miler that I could be. My racing days were short lived and replaced by an interest for restoration of older cars. The folks that knew me then will remember a 1955 Ford Crown Victoria and a couple of Corvettes. They were fun but still not exactly what I was looking for to fill the need.
Much to the surprise (and dismay) of Linda, I found an old street rod on one of my trips to Shreveport on business. I hauled it home and began my trek into the street rodding world. My “Fast 40” Ford soon became a family adventure. We made many new friends and, as a family, traveled all around our area. Linda and the kids came to love street rodding as much as I did. Life would never be the same and would progress to the building of a street rod. Our ‘38 Chevy became the new passion. Time has endeared the chopped Chevrolet to me and my family, not because of what it is but what it allows us to do.
Life has changed along the way, too. After several years of enjoying street rodding, I decided to get more involved. The NSRA inspection program seemed to be the logical place to give something back. (It was and it still is) However, in my heart, I knew that there was more I wanted do. The involvement I really needed was brought to life by the passing of a close friend and the simple act of volunteering to set up chairs at an NSRA event. Pat Newell asked me to give a church message at the Mid—America Nat’s in Springfield, Mo. That was the start of a different direction in my life. In the preparation of that first message, the Lord placed a burden on my heart to be a witness to my friends and fellow street rodders. Be assured, that in most cases, I need the message more than anybody. Last year we had the opportunity to present the Word at over a dozen different street rod events and were honored to be able to present a message at The Street Rod Nationals!
By accident? I think not! Mere coincidence? I don’t believe so! Even in the times that I was not walking according to God’s purpose, He still directed my paths because He knew my heart. I’m happy and blessed to be where I am. How about you? Lean not unto thine own understanding. Trust in the Lord…acknowledge Him. .He will direct your path.
Jim Rowlett Ministries
Matthew 16: 26