A Lesson From Elaine

It was a balmy day in Mississippi. My big sister was about to tackle Driver's Education, chief instructor - Daddy.

Feeling adventurous, the entire family climbed aboard the Falcon station wagon, anxious to watch Elaine drive.

The Falcon was a stick shift, and Elaine listened attentively, as Daddy explained the gears. “Here’s first, second, third.”

Next, came clutch procedures.

“As you give the car gas, ease out on the clutch,” Daddy explained, demonstrating the procedure as he talked. “Give it gas and ease out,” he repeated, emphasizing the word ease.

After a few demonstrations, Elaine felt confident enough to take the wheel.

"Remember,” Daddy cautioned, as she settled into the driver’s seat, “ease out on your clutch.”

It sounded simple enough, but, alas, it wasn’t quite so simple.

Within seconds, the station wagon was bucking like a bronco in distress. Buck, buck, buck, buck. Down the dusty road we went.

Sprawled in the back of the wagon, my twin and I laughed uproariously, without a clue. Mother and Daddy had a clue, but they were laughing too hard to say anything.

Only Elaine remained calm as the Falcon lurched madly along, her hands on the wheel, her eyes on the road. She didn’t know how to improve the situation at hand, but someone on board did. She would wait for further instructions.

Perhaps your Falcon lurches madly along the King’s Highway today, and you’ve no idea how to reign it in. What sounded simple wasn’t simple after all. Buck, buck, buck, buck. Down life’s road you go.

Well, take a lesson from Elaine: Don’t panic. The Chief Instructor knows where you are. Just keep your hands on the wheel, your eyes on the prize and wait for His instructions.

"I will instruct thee…in the way which thou shalt go."
Psalm 32:8 

Prayer: Lord, when I don’t know how to stop the turmoil, help me remain calm and wait for you.