I have my driver's license. No, really, I actually got it. After taking the test twice, and getting it renewed after the second time, Caitlin and I finally got our official license's. After experiencing this, I thought it appropriate to share with you some things I have learned about the road, and how I apply them to life. I will probably do this post by post. So, here's my first one.

It was my turn. The very nice policeman who was taking Caitlin and I on the driving part of our test had us go at the same time. I sat in back while Caitlin drove, and then he had her pull into a parking lot so that we could switch out. While I was thankful that she had gone first (oldest privileges seem to apply at more than just our home), I was a little nervous. All those little things that dad had been telling us were replaying in my mind. "Don't budge until you nudge", which applies to coming to a full and complete stop just happened to be stuck in my head, which helped me to stay focused. So, I got out of the car, got in the drivers seat, took my precious time setting the mirrors to my height (she may be the oldest...but she is most certainly not the tallest), then started the car and pulled out of the parking lot.

Our first main event was driving by the wreck that we had passed earlier. The policeman wanted me to drive by it again so he could see if any of the cars were gone. We passed without trouble. I made my second right turn (the test consists of about six right turns and parking). As we were driving down the road, changing lanes very nicely, and going a few mph under the speed limit, two dogs decided to run out in front of the car. My reaction was to squeak a little for the policeman, swerve just a little, and slow down to almost a stop. Apparently this was the right thing to do because after the dogs got out of the way, the police proceeded to talk casually with Caitlin and I about his three dogs he has at home, and how they are very protective of him. The last thing that slightly resembled an event was when the police decided to tell us about all of the wrecks he had been in while administering tests previously. I drive past a corner and the policeman says "oh yes, that's where we had a head on". I drive past a ditch and he points "we rolled over there". As I am making the second to last right turn, he tells me in his matter-of-fact voice that "a poor girl panicked right there and pushed the gas too far so we went straight into that storm drain". I could feel my stomach twisting into nervous knots as the man in the passenger's seat lectured us on how people are just so inconsiderate while they are driver nowadays. And yes, I kept my eyes on the road during that time. We pulled into the parking lot, I parked our little four door, and he handed us our permits that were stamped and ready to be traded for hard copy license's. My lesson: always pay attention. Life lesson drawn: learning accurate discernment.

If I had not slowed down, I would have run over the two dogs, gotten out of the car and bawled (while another car rear-ended us since I would have stopped in the middle of the road) and then promptly failed my driving test. The end. I slowed down because I had to decide in that short moment A) to slow down/stop or not to do either, B) how much to slow down, and C) what my reaction was going to be to all of it. We make decisions every single day, whether we realize it or not. I had to decide that I was going to make getting this post done a priority. Driving has made me more aware of my surroundings, and taught me that I need to be able to make quick and accurate decisions, or else I will pay. I brought this over into my off-road life, and it really showed me just how important it is to be aware of the choices I make daily. My motives should be clear, and wisdom and logic should be the main influence. So before you sit down and play a round of solitaire on the computer, or, on a heavier not, are making those life impacting decisions about college etc, I encourage you to examine your motives and choice, and the outcome. I'll be doing it with you. Here's an encouraging scripture I wanted to share with you.

Proverbs 3:21-26

My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment,
do not let them out of your sight;
they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble;
when you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
for the LORD will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being snared.

Conversation Questions:

What helps you to make your day the most productive?
Are there any favorite scriptures that influence your daily decision making routines?
What helps you the most when making hard decisions?