Monday, July 30, 2007

learning to drive...again

I guess this is my time to be a student again...our recent purchase of a 5 speed Ford Focus has given reason for me to learn how to drive once more. I really thought I was done with the scaring feelings of being behind the wheel of a vehicle which could do more damage in a few wayward seconds that I could do in my whole life. I remember being scared to death as my dad taught me to drive when I was only 14 years old - I felt completely out of control when I was supposed to be the one in control! What is it about being out of control that I hate? Why does it scare me? Probably because I have no idea where I'm going or how I'm going to get there...but wasn't it Abraham who "when called...obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going"? Oh to be a woman who will go when called, even when I am completely out of control!

Saturday was the day all those emotions came racing back, when Heath drove to a deserted parking lot and switched places with me. It was hard to focus on all the directions he was giving me, especially after we started moving. My mind was overwhelmed just trying to keep my hands on the wheel, but he was giving me more things to do..."push the clutch down...now put it into 2nd...ease up off the clutch...do you hear that?...give it some more gas...keep the engine high like that...good...more gas, more gas!...clutch!!!"

With all these instructions, I could barely think, much less follow them as quickly as I needed to. After making it around the parking lot once and killing the engine a few times, my eyes started to well up and it was time to go. But overall, I'd say it was a good first lesson. We didn't get in a fight over it, nor do I hate the thought of trying again.

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