Tip of My Iceberg

I made a most amazing discovery.

I’m a fast driver and a slow rider.

Nonsensical? Not really. This was a true epiphany. And it had everything to do with Debbie being behind the wheel.

Necessary background information–I taught all six of our kids how to drive. Not that John couldn’t. It’s just that after almost putting his foot through the floorboard trying to do his part from the passenger side while in the car with Heather, she didn’t feel comfortable with him calmly freaking out. I’m a little more relaxed.

As far as driving anyway.

I taught them the rules of the road. I spent hours behind the wheel with each one.

Is it any wonder they all drive like I do?

This does include, I must confess, a tendency to see speed limits as parameters. Within nine miles over the posted mph is entirely legitimate.

No faster.

I’ve enjoyed driving fast since I learned. I’ll admit to pushing the limits more when I’m on deserted country roads.

But I do have scruples. I avoid being the fastest car on the road. Usually.

Deb and I had errands to accomplish, and I let her drive. She’d been deprived of the joy of driving while in Miami for six weeks.

I was accommodating.

We got on the tollroad, and it felt like she was going really fast. Obviously faster than nine miles over the speed limit.

I felt my foot pressing into the floorboard. I saw my hand moving in a downward motion. My eyes traveled to the speedometer. Just to check.

Deb missed none of this.

“Stop it, Mom.”

“Wanna slow down a bit?”

“I’m not speeding, Mom. Stop being a backseat driver.”

I wasn’t. I was sitting right next to her. Front seat.

So we picked up Tiffany–and I moved to the back.

And it felt even faster.

I couldn’t see the speedometer as easily.

Frustrating.

I realized, as I was being chastised by my daughter, that what I was frustrated about wasn’t her driving. She’s actually quite good. (I taught her.)

I wasn’t the one in control. I wasn’t driving.

I don’t consider myself a control freak. But I am discovering how passive/aggressive I can be when I’m not in charge.

As if me being in control could really make a difference.

God, however, has the power and vision to make things happen. And He has a plan.

“It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, He had His eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose He is working out in everything and everyone.”   Ephesians 1:11-12

Overall purpose. I’m part of a bigger picture. An eternal plan. Something better than I can figure out or fix to my specifications.

I think I’ll sit in this back seat and go along for the ride. My Driver knows where we’re going.