Restoration Road by Mitch Kruse with Derek Williams

Published By: David C. Cook

Mitch Kruse walks us through his life as an auctioneer. He vividly recalls his introduction to the "family business" of auctioneering at an antique sale with his grandfather. Here, his grandfather allowed him to call for bids on an item which seemed rather normal. With encouragement from his grandfather, the "curio" became a uniquely sought after item as he described it's detail after each bid. Immediately, Mitch knew that he would become an auctioneer.

His father experienced some difficult times as an auctioneer but this seemed to fuel Mitch's dream even more so. Money became his driving force. Wealth and fame became his passion.

On page 73 Mitch states this about his Christian life. "The pursuit of my desires apart from God caused me to neglect my faith because I loved the elusive satisfaction of money too much. Like the younger son who had separted himslf from his earthly father, (in the Prodigal Son), my journey separated me from the full benefits of the love of my spiritual Father. My stone heart crumbled into a heart of sand that overlfowed in particles of pride. I was still trusting in my gifted ness rather than my godlines--the Spirt of the Restorer in me."

What aspect of acutioneering did Mitch embark upon? The classic car. Did he become famous? Yes. His fame came about when he sold a "1934 restored one of a kind Duesenberg SJ LaFrand superchareged dual-cowl phaeton" for a million dollars.

Over time, he admits that has pursuit of fame and wealth also led him into sin and separation from God. He had not taken the time to learn from his earlier mistakes or from the mistakes that his father had made. As a result of financial constraints, his anger and stess, his relationship with his father and his wife became strained.

Foolishness, manipulation, greed, self righteousness, selfish pride, ridicule, perfectionism...all of these ruled his life. Damaged relationships began to extend beyond family and into friends and business relationships. No place for God, no place for grace.

Until one day, Mitch realizes his need to surrender to his Heavenly Father. He states on page 133 that: "Pride is the lock on the human heart; humility is the key." This day of surrender marked the turning point of his life.

As Mitch relates his life, his sin and restoration he quotes from scripture to make his points even clearer. All readers will enjoy this book for its story telling aspects and its transparency and truth.