I’m grateful for TPM Systems, but sometimes they can be quite annoying! If you don’t know what TPMS is, it’s the abbreviation for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Most cars have them now, it seems. It’s the little unit attached to the stem on your car tire that constantly monitors your tire pressure and sends a signal to the computer. When the pressure changes, (usually by dropping), a light on your dashboard indicates that you have a tire with low pressure. In some cars, you can see what the pressure is in each tire, but if you don’t, you must go find the one that is low and add some air.

This time of year, such lights often come on because the temperature has dropped. Colder temps mean less pressure. At other times, it can be because of a slow leak, which is really where they pay for themselves, literally, and in terms of safety. They can also be finicky, especially depending on the make of your car and the brand of sensor that is used when they are changed. They can seemingly go off randomly, or indicate a problem that doesn’t exist because they are malfunctioning. I know many, including me, who have gone for long periods of time with the TPMS light on, despite all the tires being properly inflated. And yes, if you have a full-size spare tire, they must be kept up, too. Once the light is lit or comes on too many times when nothing is wrong, you just ignore it. You’ve all heard the story of the TPMS that cried “Flat!”, right? In theory, we’re all checking our tire pressure regularly instead of relying on the monitoring system, but that’s theory, not reality.

Tire pressure is worth monitoring for more reasons than just safety. If you’re already annoyed at gas prices, or if it pains you to spend the money to replace tires, keeping an eye on your pressure should be on your to-do list. Under-inflated tires reduce gas mileage and accelerate the wear on tires. It can also reduce performance, if you pay attention to things like handling and cornering. It’s just easier and more fun to drive when everything is where it should be. (Incidentally, here’s a public service announcement before I forget: the proper inflation pressure for your auto tires is usually found on a sticker on the door frame from the manufacturer. Lots of folks will have opinions, but if you want to optimize the car’s performance and safety, go with that number no matter what your mechanic tells you.)

While this is a season that is full of light and joy, I also know so many who are feeling deflated and worn out. The holiday season is not always a happy time for everyone, for a host of reasons. There are great demands on us at home, at work, and in groups we belong to. We often must figure out travel plans or prepare to host family. It all piles on. There are warning indicators that we’re on the edge, but too frequently we’re running so close to the edge that the signs and symptoms go unnoticed, or if noticed, ignored anyway. Eventually we can be left on the side of the season, watching it and others pass us by, unsure how to get back on track again. Even if we aren’t sidelined, we aren’t at our best or most effective, let alone in a position to fully enjoy the season.

Part of Advent is about slowing down and catching our breath. It is God who first breathed into us, animating us and giving us life. Finding God and spending time with God can be like putting on an oxygen mask, filling up our lungs and our souls with the clean, refreshing breath of God once again. It’s counterintuitive to slow down in December, but then Jesus and the Church don’t strive to go with the flow on most things. If this is a season of tiredness, grief, loneliness, or burnout for you, I have a suggestion: join us for our Advent Quiet Day this Saturday. It’s not the entire day, just the middle of it, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The Rev. Laura Collins will guide us through prayer and contemplative practices to help our hearts move towards joyful surrender. 

Check yourself; look for any indicators or any signs that your monitoring system is sending a message to you. If you find something flashing, blinking, or otherwise showing indications of concern, I think a day of quiet and reflection can do you good. If you can’t make it this Saturday, find some time in the days and weeks to come, to sit still and breathe deeply. Ask for God’s presence and help with every breath and know that God will fill you up once again.

Tom+

 O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Photo Credits: Flat Tire and Worn Out, via Dreamstime.com subscription.