Spare tires aren’t just a slang phrase for overweight people and they aren’t just a way of being responsible and prepared for a flat. No, nowadays, spare tires seem to be good hiding places (well, maybe not) for marijuana. DPS officers in Texas are finding this out more and more

In September, 73 pounds of marijuana worth over $23,000 was found in Hungerford. In June, 1400 pounds were found in two spare tires in Pierce. Yesterday, 70 pounds was found in a spare tire in Wichita Falls when a car was stopped for speeding.

More and more traffic stops are turning into criminal arrests, not for speeding or seat belt violations but for transporting drugs. Texas shares a border with Mexico and the drug trade is getting bigger and getting worse. Now, let me ask a few questions here to those who have experience in the illicit drug business. Bear in mind that no one knows you are answering these questions except you and the Man upstairs if you believe in Him.

My first question is, seriously, is it worth it? Is smuggling or transporting drugs, dealing them to minors and others who are addicted, is it worth it? Is having a lot of money for a little bit of time until you are busted or one of your workers is busted and makes a deal and turns on you really worth it? Can you truly live with the fact that a pre-teen or teen is hooked on what you sell and you could be intervening with the person who had been destined to find a cure for cancer or solve the great Hoffa mystery or write the next bestseller or break a sporting record?

Maybe you don’t have a spare tire because you do drugs and it keeps the weight off but being a dealer is no less attractive. Do you know what you are missing? You are missing out on walking the beaches and holding the hand of the love of your life. You are missing out on a child looking up at you with adoring eyes and saying “Daddy, teach me to tie my shoe.” You are missing out on the proud look of your mother because you are now walking the stage at the university of your choice, having accomplished the dream of getting your degree.

Drugs being found in spare tires. It certainly beats finding them in the bodies of precious young people who have accidentally overdosed. Texas has a bad drug problem. It doesn’t take such offenses lightly. If you are reading this, it is not too late to turn your life around. Do it for your future children, that degree you dreamed of, that book you want to write or whatever your secret goal is. Because I know a secret that you don’t. You are worth a second chance.