As a mom to three sons, the word DRIVE at first evoked fear in my heart. Becoming of age to drive for a teenager is a marker and vivid reminder that a young boy is well on his way to becoming a man. Being able to drive opens up a whole new realm of freedom, responsibility and risk.
In our state, teenagers must first receive a 'restricted license' which means all driving must be with an adult present and only during certain hours. After a year of following these guidelines, you are eligible for a regular drivers license. When our first son received his restricted license, my husband easily embraced the opportunity to give him driving experience and let him drive our family around. I usually sat nervously in the back seat, thinking if we wrecked due to inexperience, it would wipe out the whole family! While sweet hubby saw opportunity, I saw danger and fear.
But this new experience (and every other life experience) cannot be driven by fear. It will be at first uncharted territory and much learning will come through mistakes. Rules of the road, quick judgements, being careful and alert, but keeping your foot on the gas to proceed are lessons that must be learned by doing.
Focusing on the dangers and risks of driving can paralyze us and keep us bound up with fear. As driving skills improve and trust builds, I began to enjoy what I saw unfolding as my sons each learned to drive. They loved to drive me around on daily errands. I began to enjoy being chauffeured! They grew in confidence and freedom, I learned to let go and put more trust in God as I prayed for their safety.
Each of my sons have now been driving for several years. On a recent visit to our oldest son's home, he drove us around for a day trip. Again, I was seated in the back seat, this time with sweet hubby and we simply enjoyed the ride. No fear of driving mistakes, but pride in how well our son was navigating the road. We've had our share of driving mishaps, including a major accident. All reminders of the importance of trusting God.
Whether a teenager beginning to take the wheel, or a life decision or moving in a direction of our calling - to DRIVE is a journey. It is moving forward, taking the wheel of responsibility, being alert to our surroundings and enjoying the freedom of getting to the next new place.
Your sweet post reminded me of a dear older woman in church. When she would call and ask for some company, she would say, "Want to go on an adventure with me?" It usually meant a car ride in which she would direct me where to go. It took a few rides for me to realize she usually made it up as she went along, to see where we would end up :) But it always included the best lunch and a stop at some beautiful farm stand we would discover. Every drive was a journey, and a memory to cherish!
ReplyDeleteYour sweet post reminded me of a dear older woman in church. When she would call and ask for some company, she would say, "Want to go on an adventure with me?" It usually meant a car ride in which she would direct me where to go. It took a few rides for me to realize she usually made it up as she went along, to see where we would end up :) But it always included the best lunch and a stop at some beautiful farm stand we would discover. Every drive was a journey, and a memory to cherish!
ReplyDeleteThere are so many lessons of life found in learning to drive aren't there? You capture the feelings of parenting so well - I remember those days! Thank you for your inspiration today. Karen (FMF #9)
ReplyDeleteI love this post and can relate so much. Now as my grandchildren are all starting to drive I once again find myself fearful, yet at the same time learning to entrust each one to the Lord as they grow and learn. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteoh, what a good reminder that I need to set up driver's training for my 16 year old! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLove "Let us never be afraid of what lies in front of us, as we know that our Father is in control of the wheel."
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.