We each have a life story, penned without ink, read by the people around us. Who's writing your story?

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Back Seat Driver

Saturday became a big day at our house. Our youngest daughter came home with a drivers' license in her hand and a smile on her face. She passed the test after 65 plus hours of practice. Tears came to my eyes as I gave her a congratulatory hug. Her license represented not only a victory for her but also for me.

A 2003 car crash has colored my view of traveling. Getting in the car isn't easy for me, especially for a road trip of any length. And I'll admit, the prospect of teaching an inexperienced new driver caused me a bit of apprehension. Not that she drove differently than any other learner. She actually has done quite well. But for me, I made a conscience choice to accept my responsibility to help her reach this milestone.

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This past summer on family outings, I spent many hours in the back seat with our sixteen-year-old at the wheel and my husband coaching from the front passenger seat. There's something unnerving about the back seat. I couldn't see much, but sometimes what I could see resulted in my giving my two cents--not such a great idea . . .

One night, as Elisabeth cruised along the freeway at 65 mph, I felt a little on edge in my back-seat position. As darkness fell, I prayed for peace and safety, but couldn't shake the feeling. Finally, I turned on my kindle and found my place in Grace Fabian's book, Outrageous Grace: A Story of Tragedy and Forgiveness. A couple pages in, I read:
". . . I knew whatever happened, it was God who had the final say. Prayers ascended. It's okay to be in the dark with God. His presence makes all the difference" (page 76).
These words relayed Grace's trust when she didn't know if she would live or die due to medical complications. She lay stretched out in the back of a van while the driver navigated 75 miles of dark, foggy, pot-holed, winding New Guinea roads to get to the nearest hospital.

Sometimes a story gives us perspective. It quiets fears that hover in the shadows. I will always remember God's reassurance in the back seat that night.

Now we're on a new journey. On the very day the shiny new license came home, I read these words by Sarah Young. "Entrust your loved ones to me; release them into My protective care. They are much safer with Me than in your clinging hands. . . . My presence will go with them wherever they go . . ." (Jesus Calling, page 246).

Congratulations, Elisabeth. You've worked hard. And I've learned a few things, too.

So, what stories have encouraged you along the way? 

8 comments:

  1. I remember those days of traveling with a new driver. Even today, there seems to be a learning experience for me in each new task taken on by one of my children or grandchildren. The Lord uses all kinds of teachers as we live out our lives. Blessings to you and the family.

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    1. Thank you, Vi. You're right. Learning experiences are teaching us every day. Grateful for God's presence in the "back seats" of life!

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  2. When our fifth child turned 16, we hired a driving instructor. Not only was my husband tired of the stress involved, but our daughter was apprehensive about driving due to being hit by a car when she was thirteen. You were very brave, Sarah!

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    1. Elisabeth was telling me about the quadruplets at school who all will be learning to drive at the same time! Can you imagine? But maybe that's easier than one at a time?! Thanks, Cindy.

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  3. Congratulations, Elisabeth! I just finished Ben Carson's autobiography. His encouragement . . . always do your best.

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  4. yeah for E! i remember that edge of the seat feeling

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    1. Thanks, Les. Elisabeth's doing a great job....I'm not quite as edgy now!

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