On Learning to Drive

My daughter recently obtained her learners permit and is learning to drive. At the DMV, both of us were very nervous - my daughter was worried about failing, and I was worried about her passing...

Yesterday I traded my Windstar and bought her a Kia Rio. One of my sisters complimented me on my generosity, but the truth is that I didn't want her driving my Ford Edge. My daughter felt that she'd do better in something smaller, and I have to say that I agree.

Children open our eyes to lots of things that we take for granted. When you have a baby or toddler, you tend to see things anew through their eyes. It's a time to regain a sense of wonder at this amazing world we live it. Babies and toddlers have a lot more to teach too. They are very willing to try, and try again, and then again and again - however long it takes to learn a new skill. Young children are great practicers.

Practice is what my daughter needs. Driving practice. The first time I took her out, it wouldn't have surprised me to come home, look in the mirror, and discover that every hair on my head was grey. But it's getting better for both of us. My daughter is getting better, and I'm trying to relax.

Today I let her drive to church and then out to lunch. I was reminded of how many complex actions go into driving from one place to another. Simply merging from an entrance ramp onto the road requires some pretty fancy moves and a keen awareness of what's around you and at what rate of speed others are driving at.

I'm basically an easy going person, not aggressive at all. Not until I get behind the wheel of a car, that is. I like to drive a little on the fast side, and can be a bit impatient with those on the road who prefer to move slower. Here's the thing. I want my daughter to move at the speed limit or slower. When I'm in the car with her, the drivers on the road who are like me (a little aggressive) make me really nervous. I'm thinking, "This is a new driver here! Slow down! What if you cause her to wreck?!"

This part of the learning to drive experience has been a great reminder to me. Rather than feeling impatience, maybe I need to be more aware of others - maybe they're learning to drive. Maybe they're old and having difficulties. Maybe they're simply having a bad day. The last thing they need is some aggressive driver breathing down their backs.

It's not just when I'm behind the wheel that I need to be aware of others. There are other kinds of wrecks we can have as we navigate the roads of life. Whatever the situation, I don't want to be responsible for someone having a wreck of any kind. How about you?