« Everyday Olympians | Home | Labor Day Meditation »
Behind the Wheel
By Scott Harrup | August 20, 2008
Yesterday the State of Missouri entrusted our daughter with a learner’s permit. (They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but those first twelve words probably create a thousand pictures in the minds of parents with driving teens.)
After work I sat in the passenger seat and Lindsay took her place behind the wheel as we shared a father/daughter driving lesson. We slowly navigated through several subdivisions near our home. No wandering pets or bicycling children met their demise or were even put at risk. In fact, I’m proud of Lindsay’s careful attention to detail on her maiden voyage. We went to Barnes and Noble last night to celebrate over some hot chocolate (although we both agreed I’d do the downtown driving to that little engagement).
We’ve mapped out a plan for the next couple of weeks, steadily increasing our distance, speed and interaction with heavier traffic. For at least six months Lindsay will only be driving with a licensed driver in the car.
But inevitably there will come a day when she takes the keys and runs an errand on her own. Finds that first job and begins a regular commute. Ventures onto the interstate and goes God knows where.
And I use that last expression reverently.
Because I’d go nuts trying to figure out the mysterious twists and turns awaiting my daughter. I’d imagine the worst and forget that God always has Lindsay’s best at the center of His divine attention.
So, Linds, this is to you and all the journeys you will take. To all the wondrous destinations, as well as the heartbreaking dead ends you’ll reach. Keep both hands on the wheel. Keep your eye on the road. Be ready with the brakes.
And remember, you’ll never truly drive alone.
Love,
Dad
Topics: Family Life |
August 24th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Thanks again dad for being patient with me during the driving lessons. I know I already commented about the article on your facebook, but still reading it again makes me all choked up (In a good way)
Love ya most dad!! ~Linds
August 26th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Well Scott, seeing as how my second job is working as a drivers ed instructor. And seeing as how my daughter Maeghan just got her drivers license this past January, I can fully identify with your words in this piece. Our God is not way out there in the corner of the universe sitting on a celestial throne. God is right here with us in the day to day stuff. You couldn’t have a better team partner.
Bryan Darrell
January 12th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
A bit different from my experience with my daughter, Lindsey. We started rather well with attention to all the details. But after 15 minutes or so, and some heated discussion about life and death with regard to parental authority, I climbed into the back seat, lay down, and said, “Drive for 45 minutes and then make your way home. It worked beautifully and she’s been an excellent driver since. No tickets, no accidents, and not even a stop by traffic authorities. And I’m still alive.
There are many roads to driving happiness and we found the one most traveled.