Still Sitting in the Student Driver's Seat

Hey now, want to hear about my life? Specifically, my life behind the wheel? Well, you're in luck, my friend. I will tell you all about today's driving experience.  


I know that green means go; I know that red means stop. I also happen to know that it is illegal to drive barefooted (don't ask). 
Even though I know all of this, I am still not very fond of driving; I'm a decent driver too. 
Driving is a skill -- one that I apparently do not posses. It just doesn't come naturally to me. 


Sitting in the drivers seat does absolutely nothing for my self-esteem. Nothing!


I know a few people who actually love to drive (you know who you are). I also know a few people who, like me, have an aversion (you also know who you are). 


I must admit, I have gotten a lot better. When I get behind the wheel now, I can breathe normally, casually converse with people, and manage to not have mascara smeared under my eyes... 
Yes, it has taken a while to come to this point.


Anyway, today, I was driving my dad around town. We were running some errands and life was good. 


Well, it was good until I got honked at. Then, it was bad.


I tried to move on, but found myself tensing up. Once I acknowledged the fact that I was slipping into my old ways, I commanded myself to relax. That worked fine... well, until the second honk. I hate being the cause of a honk -- it makes me sad.


I was distraught. 
Out of nowhere, I thought of a friend who likes to drive. I thought, "If he can enjoy this, by golly, so can I!" 
So, I mustered up all the courage I could manage, took a deep breath, and relaxed into the seat. I was determined to enjoy driving. 
Actually, for a few moments, I was almost having fun. As I was coasting down the road, I imagined that I was a fabulous driver; assertive, at ease, and totally in control.


Well, let me tell you, that little dream sequence didn't last forever -- I got honked at again. This time, it was not just one little honk, it was a very long, drawn out honk. This last honk entirely shattered my little dream world. Also, I must admit that I deserved it. Errrrg. *"And I promise I'll never do it again. That's the one good thing about me. I never do the same wrong thing twice."


At that moment, all I wanted to do was sit under a rock and have a good sob. My dad told me not to worry when people honk... 


Is this what being 16 is all about? If so, I think I would like to go back to the blissful age of 15... actually, forget that. I like being 16. It's a magical age. (*"...I say it over to comfort myself in these times that try the soul.")


Well, I was all out of sorts and my emotions were running pretty high. I thought about asking my dad to drive the rest of the way home. If I did that though, it would be a pretty low blow to my driving record... so, I decided against that idea. Driving, I continued on the homeward journey.


Just because I'm a "new driver," does not give everyone else license to honk at me. Where is the justice?
The first two times I was driving the speed limit — deplorable, I know. You'd think I was a felon. 


Since driving is essential, I would like to at least enjoy it a little. You know? But I can't.
I want to like driving; I really do.


And don't even get me started on parking! Oh my gosh. I am beside myself with gripping fear for the parking portion of the test. If I don't pass the parking part, I can't even go on to the driving portion. *gulp*


On the bright side, I only need to get 7 more daytime hours before I can take the test and get my license.


*"Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it." My spirit for driving may have presently been crushed, but it can never be eternally diminished. God has lifted me back up. He is always faithful!


Despite how it looks, I am so thankful for this whole experience. Although it has been downright painful at times, I can honestly say that I have grown (more than you'll ever know). I have relied on God and He has blessed me. It still continues to be a challenge, but nothing is impossible with Him who gives me strength. 


*If you know where those quotes came from, well, good for you. Comment and see if your guess was correct!