Unusual Discovery

March 18, 2026

It finally warmed up enough this afternoon so that we could take our walk around the lakes and in the middle of the main gravel road I found an old spark plug! Not sure how it landed in the middle of the road, but it did serve as a conversation starter between us.

We both wondered if modern cars still used them---we’re both so mechanically knowledgeable! So I googled it (of course) and found out gasoline cars do still use spark plugs and that the newer ones can last 100,000 miles or more! I guess that’s why our vehicles don’t need tuneups as often as in the olden days.

And then I dug a little deeper as I like to do and found out some amazing coincidences between signs of a bad spark plug and me having a bad day. Sounds funny but it’s true. Read on:

Having a bad spark plug can cause a car to be hard to start, especially in the morning. On more trying days it is more difficult to get out of bed.

Bad plugs can also cause poor acceleration or sluggish performance. Need I say more?

Sometimes the check engine light can come on which is often triggered by misfires. When I’m not having a good day, I can get quite irritable and fiery too.

And a bad spark plug can also lessen your fuel economy due to increased gas (consumption). I like to try to lighten my mood by eating junk food, which tends to lead to gassiness.

So, what can we do to keep plugging along smoothly?

Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”

Trust God and seek Him. Spend time in the Word. It takes time and dedication, but it will make a difference in your everyday life.