One of the longstanding issues in our marriage has been driving skills and practices. Our driving tends to mirror our personalities. So my driving has always been calm and reserved while Gayle drives like a wild woman! Yes, that was a joke, just the opposite is true. Gayle always drives very near the speed limit and I usually drive as far above it as I think I can without getting a ticket. Gayle is very cautious and will never take a risk while driving. I’ve mastered the art of driving with my knees while multi-tasking at the wheel and am perfectly comfortable doing so. Years ago, due to this skill and engaging in conversation while driving a 15 passenger van, our men affectionately gave me the nickname of gravel!

We are heading off for a few days to visit St. Augustine. Last night my bride said, “I’m not looking forward to riding five hours with you tomorrow.” It felt like an arrow to my heart and I went silent and was internally ready to not go at all.

This morning lying in bed awake in the first few moments of the day, I was surrendering the day to the Lord and having a meeting in my head. I imagined sharing in a group of friends the exchange last night. I must add, I was looking at my phone while driving when Gayle made the comment! In my group meeting, everyone laughed at me for being upset. The committee in my head told me I was being selfish. Then in the quietness I sensed that whenever I have the privilege of driving someone else in our vehicle, my job is to serve them not be defensive about how good I perceive my driving to be. It isn’t about me, it is about someone else who is entrusting their very life to my care. When I drive someone else I should feel like I am a hired, professional chauffeur who wants desperately to please my client!

So, what if it takes me thirty minutes longer to arrive at the destination? What if all those people I passed get ahead of me? What if there is a complaint about my driving? None of that matters as long as my customers are satisfied.

This should be an interesting and somewhat amazing transformation!

Blessings,

Scott