Lean Not on Your Own Understanding 

by Colonel K. Stewart Dalrymple 

We were traveling from our home in Pittsburgh to an event in New Jersey when our kids were still young. Our Toyota minivan was packed to capacity — back seats folded down, luggage stacked all the way to the roof. Somewhere along Interstate 80, we picked up a nail. The tire pressure light came on, but thankfully we were able to make it safely to a travel plaza.

After pulling in, I inspected the tire and thought, I know exactly what I need to do. The spare tire was under all that luggage. I wasn’t excited about unloading the entire van, but at least the weather was pleasant. It’s remarkable how much gear a family of four needs for a weekend trip. In hindsight, I’m grateful our dog wasn’t part of the family yet — we would have needed twice the space.

One suitcase at a time, I emptied the back. I lifted the floor panels. And you’ve probably already guessed: no spare tire. Not because it was missing — but because Toyota, in its wisdom, had put it somewhere else.

I checked under the back of the van. Nothing. I remembered that Honda sometimes places the spare beneath the second row. Not there either. That’s when I realized I needed to do what many men are reluctant to do — consult the owner’s manual. Sure enough, the 2009 Sienna’s spare tire was mounted underneath the van, just behind the front passenger-side tire. Problem solved and lesson learned.

The Owner’s Manual

Many times in Scripture we see Christ’s intimate communion with His Father (Luke 5:16; John 10:30; John 17). In Gethsemane especially, we witness Christ’s obedience strengthened through relationship: “not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

How often, when life’s warning lights flash, do we immediately assume, “I know exactly what to do”? How often do we start unloading our own solutions before consulting the Owner? Do we seek communion with the Lord in prayer? Do we open our soul’s Owner’s Manual — God’s Word? Or do we lean on instinct and experience?

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5–6).

Ever since that day at the travel plaza, whenever I have to change a tire, I reach for the owner’s manual first. And increasingly, when challenges come, I do the same.