Who is in the Drivers Seat?
       
   (Summer 2001)

  It is 5:45 a.m. I am on the way through New York to Connecticut - having already passed though Canada - on Interstate 90 out of Buffalo. All I have seen for miles and miles and miles in my rearview mirror are big blinking lights and a grill! A real white-knuckle experience! I used to complain about the number of trucks on the highway during my commute to work, but now I know they are really nocturnal creatures - coming out after the sun goes down for bizarre displays and rituals. Yes, school was finally out, and my husband Rene and I were on vacation! We were going east and then south to visit family. I was driving so Rene could get a little rest. We were both tired, but Rene more so because he had worked all day and had been driving since Michigan. But after dodging Peterbuilts, Macks and Fords for a couple hours, I needed relief. I was so happy when we reached a rest area where I could wake Rene up and turn the driving over to him. How do I spell relief? R-e-n-e - driving!

  How many of you ride with a good driver that you trust so much that you could go to sleep with him or her at the wheel? It's a good feeling huh? Well, in a state of great relaxation, and peace of mind -- and as I sank down into the familiar passenger side of our black cherry LaSabre -- I heard a still small inner voice question, "Would not your 'regular life' be a lot less stressful - maybe even restful - if you would give the steering wheel of life over to God?" (Ouch! Painful, but true!)

  Do you need a little relief? Who's in your driver's seat? If not God, pray . . .

  "Lord this trip is taxing. It's dark and I'm tired. Everyone around me is unpredictable (and so much bigger than I am!). I've never been this way before and the signs are hard to see. I feel so vulnerable. Please take over the wheel on this journey and just let me sit comfortably close to you for the rest of the trip. You're such and good driver - others have told me so. Help me to trust in your knowledge, abilities and judgement to keep me safe, for you know the route I am to take. I have put my faith in other drivers and pilots that did not even know me, and you know me so well and love me so much. Give me peace and rest. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen."