Diana Romero, CEO of Integrated Purpose Management LLC, uses an example of a NASCAR pit stop to explain why pit stops in life are not always a negative thing. She also shares ways you can positively use a pit stop in your life to refuel and recharge for moving forward.

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At different junctures in our lives, you and I may go through times when we must slow, stop, shift, or turn. Any of these can cause us to question why, or maybe you have asked, “Is this the end of the road for me?” What if you shift gears and look at these times like a “pit stop” in the race of life? Not an end of a road, but a pause. In fact, in the NASCAR racing life, a pit stop is an extremely important part of the race. What happens during a pit stop can cause a driver to win or lose.

In a NASCAR race, every car needs a pit stop at some point in the race and oftentimes more than one. During this pit stop, the car gets refueled, sometimes tires are changed, the driver may get additional insight from the crew, and be given water for refreshing. (The cockpit of a race car can be over 120 degrees Fahrenheit during a race!)

In times of slow, stop or shift in your life, what can you learn from the pit stop in a race car’s journey?

Getting Refueled:

As a Christian, you are called to refuel by studying God’s Word. 

Psalm 1:1-3 (NLT) says, “Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” 

God’s Word gives you all the lessons and knowledge you need to live a fruitful life. Psalms 1:1-3 is a promise. It tells you, if you appreciate and study the Bible, you will have what you need to live a thriving life. Jesus is the Word of God, so knowing God’s Word is knowing Him. (John 1:1-5)

We are also blessed to have the ability to converse with God through prayer. We can seek the One who loves us most to find rest and nourishment for our souls. In Philippians 4:6 (NLT) it tells us, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” I think this is great advice. Often times when I feel overwhelmed or uncertain about the future, remembering all that God had brought me through reminds me that I have a lot for which to be thankful and that God always takes care of me.

Change the Tires:

When I retired from the corporate work life and knew I wanted to start a business, a gifted woman of God had this word for me. She said, “God showed her that I was not retired, but I was being “re-tired”. God was putting new rough terrain tires on me for this new journey in my life. He was equipping me for what was coming next.” This word of encouragement was huge for me at the time. It gave me hope and helped me to see my new venture in a new light. God will retread you for your next adventure.

During your pit stop be open to new things. New ways of thinking, new learnings and perhaps seeking new skills to help you be prepared for the next part of your race.

The Crew:

When a race car goes into its pit stop, it gets surrounded with the crew. Those people helping the car get back out on the track. You also need to be surrounded with a crew. People in your life that help you during all the times in your life, those of certainty and those of searching. Being surrounded with Godly women and men that share your beliefs and values can help you stay on course when life brings a pit stop. I am so thankful I have met some of the key members of my “crew” at 4word.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT), “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”

Having your “crew” to help you during times when you may be defeated or just uncertain, can be life giving and life changing. They can help you see things you can’t because they are on the outside and can see the bigger picture. As the car driver you are enclosed in the cockpit and sometimes can only see what is right in front of you. Your crew may offer a change in strategy that can help you to the finish line and maybe even the winner’s circle. 

Refreshed with Water:

There are many miracles in the Bible that have to do with water. Water is needed for human existence. When we are hot and tired, a fresh glass of water can be so refreshing. Jesus, however, wants us to know that through Him we can have another kind of water; living water. Jesus tells the Samaritan woman he meets at Jacob’s well that what she needs is living water so that she will never thirst again. With Jesus at the center of our lives, we have a well within us that continues to give us life. In John 4:13-14 (NLT), “Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.””

When you are in your pit stop, spend some quiet time with Jesus. Allow Him to refresh you with His living water that is inside you. Listen for His voice. Seek His face. One way I do this is to sit quietly with a journal in my hand. I pray and ask Jesus to speak to me. Anything I believe I hear; I write down. Don’t be afraid that you will hear wrong, or that it will just be your own thoughts that you write down. Just trust that He will speak to you. Write down what you hear. Rest in it. Over time go back to it. You may be surprised how God confirms this word to you. It may be through your Pastor’s message on Sunday or through a close friend. Be open. Be refreshed.

Hebrews 12: 1-2 (NLT), “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding the shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”

Your pit stop isn’t the end of the road and with Jesus by your side, you will always finish in the winner’s circle.

Diana is founder and Chief Executive Officer of Integrated Purpose Management (IPM) LLC, a family owned and operated company. IPM enables you to realize your integrated purpose by providing business management expertise to grow your business, professional coaching to elevate you to your full potential and understanding in communication intelligences to cultivate your professional and personal relationships.

Diana hosts a podcast called The Integrated Life where she encourages her listeners to have a life where they integrate their faith, family and work so they can become whole again. She has a bachelor of science degree in Biology with minor in Chemistry from the University of North Texas and an Executive MBA from Texas A&M, Mays Business School. Diana has over thirty years of experience in the medical device industry with 30 of those years spent at Abbott. She has served in the areas of project/program management, research and development, global quality assurance, regulatory affairs/compliance and executive management.

Diana is a certified Communication IQ^TM consultant for Life Languages International^TM. Diana is a member of the 4word Women Advisory Board and is a servant leader at Elevate Life Church. She is married and has one daughter.

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