He got into the driver’s seat, put the key in the ignition, fastened his seat belt and leaned over to the right. Way over to the right. Like, ‘torso half way out of the seat’ right, positioning his head right under the rearview mirror. Then he took off.
His dad was amazed.
“What are you doing?” Adrian didn’t even flinch before answering, “I’m driving.” “Yeah, I kinda noticed, but why are you leaning out of your seat?” Adrian remained focused: “I told you, I’m driving!” Thomas wasn’t about to let it lie and pressed on: “But you are sitting in the middle of the car! Why?”
Norwegians can get a driver’s license when they’re 18, but from the age of 16 you can get a restricted learner’s permit. The massive L at the back of our car sort of indicated what was going on. Adrian was not about to let anyone, much less his mentoring Dad, ruin his concentration. Further questions were graciously ignored. Until they stopped.
“Why do you lean out of your seat while you’re driving?” Adrian realized that even his dad couldn’t possibly be that slow and stopped to think. Then it hit him. “I do, don’t I?” “YEAH! You do! Why?” Adrian looked quizzical as he answered, “I don’t know. I just feel like I have to.” His dad would not let it go: “But why, Adrian? It looks so uncomfortable!” Our handsome learner nodded energetically, “I know! My back is killing me after just a few minutes! Driving is hard!”
He thought about it for a while before continuing, “I think it’s because of the wheelchair.”
From the age of 4 to 12, Adrian was using an electric wheelchair to get around. He had several: 2 for indoor use, and 1 for terrain. Each weighed approximately 400 lb. and was operated by a joystick. Even as a little child Adrian would manage this huge machine to get around. He would carefully maneuver it around small children, paying attention to any hurdles or traffic, always remembering that the wheelchair could easily cause great damage if he failed to focus. It was a huge responsibility for a small child. We would always stay close and pay attention, but he quickly picked up the skills needed and was outstandingly careful.
Now, at the age of 17, he had firmly placed himself in the middle of the vehicle, just as he had done for so many years, leaning toward the right to operate the non-existing joystick.
Small things like these constantly remind us of how Adrian’s life has changed.
How our lives have changed. How faithful our God is.
As I was observing him, I thought about how many people live like he’s driving. They position themselves in the middle, convinced of their own ability to control the circumstances. Their eyes are fixed on the rearview mirror, using their past to navigate their future, not realizing that they are missing out on their very present. It’s a flawed way of living and they don’t even know it.
Once Adrian realized how his cramped style was limiting his driving and causing him unnecessary pain, he let it go. He still had to be reminded a few times, but once he realized that he had more to learn, he began listening to the advices that he previously had thought little of. He quickly improved and enjoyed driving even more.
How’s your driving?
Where have you positioned yourself? Are you in the center of your life, or have you found your spot?
Where is your focus? Is it permanently fixed on your past, or are you focusing in on where you’re going? Are you paying attention to the view of your present?
How do you conduct yourself? Is your life merely something that will take you from one place to another? Are you aware that the vehicle of your life can cause huge damage if it’s not handled with care?
Do you listen to advice from the people who know and love you? Are there lessons to be learned that will make your life’s journey better? Not necessarily easier or less painful, but more meaningful and less cramped? This life is a season; make sure to treasure it.
What is your destination? Where are you going? And who’s map are you paying attention to? Tune in to the directions given to you in the Word of God. Listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He’s the best GPS you’ll ever find.
Don’t make your driving harder than it needs to be.
Glance quickly in the rearview mirror now and then, but stay focused on where you’re heading. Rest where you’re placed and maintain the center of your life reserved for your Maker. Enjoy the presence of your Companion as you go and don’t miss out on the story of your journey.
You see, life is a gift and the Giver is good.