I love to drive. That is one thing I miss about living in the metroplex of Dallas/Ft. Worth. I love to drive fast, weaving in and out of traffic. I love the challenge of getting to the merge lane before it’s too late. I don’t particularly miss sitting in traffic for hours at time, but seeing if I can get in the lane that is actually moving fast is quite a rush.

Man, I miss that.

Anyway, I should love to drive, I’ve done it since long before I was big enough to see over the dashboard.

I remember one of the thrills of living in the country was it being my turn to sit on my daddy’s lap and ‘drive’ down the 3 mile dirt road to his house from the highway. I realize I didn’t do much real driving for many of those years, but I fell in love with the idea of being in control of that machine.

I would sit on dad’s lap and hold the wheel “10 & 2” thinking I had it all under control. All the while my very wise father was secretly holding the bottom of the steering wheel. I was too busy concentrating on keeping my wheels in the ruts to even notice. That is until I would get distracted or jerk the wheel for any number of reasons.

It was at that point I felt my dad’s big, weathered hand grab the wheel and most certainly take control.

It was both comforting and scary to me. I would jump because just as I felt like I was getting out of line, he would rescue me and I immediately knew he would tell me in no uncertain terms what I did wrong. I was always thankful he was there and always frustrated with myself for messing up.

I find that scenario played out so many times in my walk with my heavenly Daddy as well. Just when I think I have this life totally under control, I inevitably get distracted or start to careen off the edge. It’s then I feel His big, loving hand get me back on track.

Sometimes it is with a wild, unmistakable jerk.

Sometimes it is a slow weave back, but I am always thankful He is there.

He also has a knack for pointing out the reasons I was loosing it. And, yes, I am always frustrated with myself for messing up. Again.

I suppose that is why my favorite verse, although I find it is difficult to have a real favorite since there are so many amazing ones to choose from, is Hebrews 13:5, specifically the second half of the verse:

‘Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”’

I do so love that my dad was there to keep me from doing something destructive behind the wheel of his old truck and I am so much more grateful for a heavenly Daddy who promises to never just sit by and let me do something destructive with this old life. He will never leave us or forsake us.

What a promise.

When you feel the jerk of the big, weathered hand of our Heavenly Father, let Him do what only He can do, keep our lives on the road.