Sisters
She had always wanted to drive. The freedom of getting behind the wheel had always appealed to her. Finally she convinced her sister to teach her to drive. Off to an empty parking lot they went to begin her lessons.
Fortunately the car was an automatic. That would simplified a lot and save them from whiplash. They talked through all the "rules" that needed to be obeyed. She explained the feel of the gas pedal . . . how to treat it as if rolling an egg under her foot--not smashing one; the importance of braking without throwing people out of their seats . . . hand position on the steering wheel . . . grip . . . and on the instructions went. Finally exasperated, she informed her sister "she had it" and to let her drive.
With grave misgivings, she finally let her put the car into gear. Making certain that nothing was on the lot, she slowly pressed on the accelerator. The car moved ever so slowly, coasting . . . barely . . . across the lot.
Instructing her to turn, they inched their way like snails across the parking lot. When told to turn right or left, she executed the turns beautifully. Her confidence grew and they wove their way across the empty parking lot--starting . . . stopping . . . turning . . . and circling. They spent close to an hour practicing.
"Okay sis, you've got the basics. It's time to head home. I'll take over"
"I'll drive?"
"NO!"
"But I did great and it's only two blocks."
"NO!"
"Come on, it's late. There isn't any traffic. I can do it if you'll help me."
"NO!"
Reluctantly--well for one of them--they traded seats.
"You really did do a good job driving."
"Thanks. Think you'll ever let me do it again?"
"Nope."
"Spoil sport. I just want to drive to the house."
"No. Only on the empty parking lot."
As they sat talking before heading home a police car cruised by, turned into the lot and pulled up near them.
"Evening ladies. Is everything alright?"
"Yes sir. We were just taking advantage of the empty parking lot so I could teach my sister how to drive. We're done and heading home now."
"Be safe ladies."
"Night officer."
As they pulled out and onto the street, she asked one more time. "Please, let me drive just once more. I'll even wait until we get down the block from the house."
"NO. I promised to teach you--not to let you."
"Spoil sport."
Nearing the home a few minutes later they continued to talk about her driving. She was so excited. Sitting in front of the house was the housekeeper waiting on them. She opened the garage door for them and then the door of the car for the "new driver." Seeing the flush of excitement about her she asked where they had been.
"Sis was giving me driving lessons."
"Driving lessons?"
"Oh no!"
"That's what she keeps saying. I don't see the problem. It's my car and I should be allowed to drive it once in a while." Dead silence greeted her. "Okay, maybe it isn't a great idea, but I at least want to know how."
"And now you do. But my nerves won't take that again. Sis, I love you. I'll do almost anything for you. I'll even teach you how to drive--on an empty parking lot, but I'll never ride with you."
"Okay, maybe driving on the street isn't a good idea, but driving tonight was fun." Chatting away they went into the house. "Do you think the cop figured out I'm blind?"
"Nope. And he won't see you behind the wheel again. Agreed?"
"Agreed."
Sometime the desires of our hearts lead us down paths that are not where we should be. We may know how to do something. We may study and practice, but it is not what is best for our life. There are things that we should not do.
God when we ask you to grant the desire of our hearts--give us the common sense to understand that sometimes the answer should be "no," like allowing a blind woman to drive. Strengthen us to face obstacles and the wisdom to know when to go a different way. So be it. Amen.
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