I naturally assumed that the longer they drove with a licensed driver (me) in the car with them, the better drivers they would become. Not so, said the driver's education manual. According to their research, students benefit greatly from having an older, more experienced driver coaching them through the ins and outs of learning to drive, but only to a point.
After that point, research showed, a new driver's ability to learn necessary decision making skills actually becomes hindered by having a coach in the car with them at all times. Studies showed that the student would become too dependent on the coach, and begin to rely on the coach's instruction instead of developing their own decision-making skills necessary to learn to navigate roads safely.
This principle applies to parenting as well. God entrusts children into the care of their parents for a season. During those 18 or so years, it is the parents' privilege to teach them all they can about how to navigate the roads of life. We teach them practical skills, interpersonal skills, and spiritual skills.We teach them everything from how to feed themselves, to how to treat others, to how to maintain a relationship with God. As best we can, we teach them all the skills they need to succeed in life.
And then we get out of the car and let them drive.
All by themselves.
It is necessary, and it is good.
What we as Christian parents know, though, is that they aren't really all by themselves.
They go with God.
God who will never leave them nor forsake them. God who walks the path ahead of them and prepares a table before them. God who is present in the darkness and in the light. God who is their teacher, their provider, their constant companion, and the lover of their souls. God who loves them even more than we ever could. God who wants to work in their lives to do something we could never do.
If you've climbed out of the car this week, be comforted.
God didn't.
Thank you for linking up....my lil guy is 2, it's so hard to let him go sometimes just to a friend's house...I guess that's little bits preparing for college. Wonderful focus on God here....thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteOh, Michy, hug him tightly! While some days with a 2-year-old seem never ending, they're grown before you know it. Savor every moment, even when they sneeze on you! thanks for stopping by!
DeleteWOW... have you been inside my head?? I have some major fear issues when my children are out & about. My 19 yr old, had no desire to get her license and we pretty much had to make her when she graduated. She is very careful and still skiddish at times (avoids interstates and 4 lane highways if she can)Our 15 yr old son, got his permit a few months ago, he is very confident which really scares me. He drove on interstate the first week!! I know that the older I get I need to let out the strings, but its tough!!
ReplyDeleteHi Piper, Yup, I have -- cause your head looks like my head, and I live there! I'm accepting this new stage as yet another chance to trust God with those we hold dear. I'm going to be like James, the half-brother of the Lord by the time I'm old -- it's said he prayed so much he had "camel knees." Not very attractive in the physical realm, but beautiful in the spiritual realm. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteIt is necessary and it is good. So true!! It doesn't feel like all that long ago that I left for college--just as terrified as my parents probably were. :)
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