Hit the Gas

I took Shelby on her first driving lesson the other day. I figured she was ready- she’s 13, had a cast on her right foot, and could barely see over the steering wheel. What could go wrong? The parking lot at Fulton High School was the perfect setting. It looked like a mix of the Daytona International Speedway and the aisle at your local Kroger’s.

This was a full on “I’m sitting in the passenger seat and letting her take the wheel” experience. She was nervous and her palms were sweaty as she locked herself in the driver’s seat. I envisioned her mistaking the gas for the brake and had already conjured up excuses for how my Tahoe ended up in the lobby of Jody Wright Arena.

Apprehension soon gave way to some confidence as she maneuvered the vehicle through the parking lot. I might have suffered a mild case of whiplash as she slammed the brake pad through the floor board but she was elated to make a few right turns and mainly keep it between the white lines.

Much of these last few days and the weeks/months ahead feel like driving for the first time. Gotta know when to hit the brake and when to give it some gas. We have to trust our instincts and listen to the advice of those around us. We also have to have the courage to buckle up and get moving forward. Keep moving forward- a little everyday and we will eventually reach our destination.