For All the Backseat Drivers

My husband is an excellent driver … at least that’s what he thinks.

I, on the other hand, spend most of my time in the passenger seat gripping the door and gently suggesting, you may want to scoot over you’re almost on the line over here.

Okay maybe not always gently.

Yes, I know he drives when I’m not around, but I cannot for the life of me figure out how. It seems he needs my help, and I’m more than happy to offer it.

This one particular day a rainstorm set the stage for slippery streets and slow-moving traffic. Sensing Luke’s patience beginning to wane, I shifted in my seat to get a better look at the road ahead.

We sat at a stoplight with the other thousand people trying to exit off the interstate. And, of course, the light only stayed green for about a second allowing the first two cars in line to get through and leaving the rest of us to wait for the next green light.

I watched the scenario play out light after light. Green. Yellow. Red. We inched closer. Green. Yellow. Red. Another inch. Green. Yellow. Red. Finally, we came within reach. Maybe this would be our turn.

Shifting again, I knew it’d be close. Then, it turned.

Green! Full speed ahead! Luke intended to make it through that light. And he would have, except I shouted STOP!

Not really sure why. For some reason I felt positive the light would turn red before we made it through the intersection. But it didn’t. Nope. Luke slammed on the brakes to the tune of his screaming wife in the passenger seat. We screeched to a halt then sat staring at a green light while the cars in the lane next to us drove through the light in an orderly fashion.

About that time someone slammed into the back of Luke’s truck. Why not? Don’t most people move when they see a green light?

Fortunately we were all okay. Other than Luke’s stare that burned a hole in the side of my head as we drove the rest of the way home in silence.

If I’m honest, I treat God that way, too. I sit in the passenger seat and grip the door checking to make sure we stay in the lines. Are we going too fast? Too slow?

I peer up ahead to make sure I’m prepared. I give suggestions of a better way to get there. I pick, pick, pick, and even offer to drive after awhile. Scoot over, God, I got this.

When I should be sitting in the back seat with my hands behind my head and the windows rolled down enjoying the ride.

This God—his way is perfect;
    the word of the Lord proves true;
    he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.” Psalm 18:30 (ESV)

I can’t say I gave up backseat driving altogether after that incident. But I did learn sometimes it’s better just to ride. And with God at the wheel, it’s always better to toss Him the keys and crawl in the backseat. He knows the way.

For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.‘” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)