My baby girl gets her drivers’ license next month.
Am I worried?
When I was a little girl, I don’t remember worrying.
I knew I would wake up to homemade biscuits in the orange bread warmer. Golden Eagle syrup in the Tupperware container. My Bedknobs & Broomsticks lunchbox packed with a bologna sandwich, a handful of chips in store-brand Saran Wrap, and a thermos of water.
Daddy would be home from work by 5:00, Mama would have supper on the table with her lipstick on, and we’d watch My Three Sons as we ate.
I didn’t make the grocery list. Never used my 50 cents allowance to buy food. Wasn’t in charge of planning meals.
I just sat down and ate.
Gifts of grace.
Isn’t that how true grace works? You don’t buy it. Can’t earn it. No planning it out in advance.
It just shows up when you need it.
God is dependable like that.
I know. I see graces past. But what about graces future?
What about teenage drivers and high accident rates? Is there a grace for that?
Past graces can’t cover tomorrow’s concerns. I need future graces for those.
So I’ll depend.
On Him.
To give me each grace He’s already gift-wrapped for me.
Depend is Part 1 of my 2011 Spiritual Resolutions (Part 2: delight). It doesn’t mean I won’t work. Or not prepare. Or that “bad” things won’t happen.
But it does mean I should stop sinning with anxiety and fear. About future problems that He already has under control. Like 16-year-old daughters driving solo.
I don’t have to posses now the gifts of grace I’ll need then. It’s enough to know that He has them ready.
I’m going to depend on it.
****
We’re naming the new year at Ann’s.
What’s your word for 2011?
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14 comments:
I remember when each of our five children got their licenses. They drive off so excited and leave us behind...again. And, we stand there wondering how in the world that little being that we felt kicking inside our wombs could possibly be driving away from us.
But depend is a good word for a new year. We can depend on God to provide and protect because we know that He loves them even more than we do.
A very good word for the future. Besides a teen driving on his or her own for the first time, I think I had more trouble with the other firsts -- first time driving in rain or snow or ice, times when all the kids are in the car together....but His grace is sufficient for all.
What a great word! I'm sure I'll need that one when my girl starts driving in a few years.
I've announced my word for 2011, too.
GIVE.
Good word to take to heart. In every part of my life, I need to depend on God more. I have a 3 and soon to be 6 year old, so I can't necessarily relate to them driving (yet!) but I've never raised a 6 year old before. So every experience is new and requires me to rely on God.
Beautiful words, Lisa! How sufficient His grace is. What a difference knowing I'm resting in His sovereign care makes in ridding my heart of all that unnecessary anxiety. May God bless your dear daughter with traveling mercies always.
What a beautiful description of your childhood...depend...you could and can depend on those who love you...on The One Who love you. Have a great year!
Oh, how I understand the worry! My word is focused in the same area and I'm looking to make the same change this year.
Amen for the depending. To, as you so well put it, “…stop sinning with anxiety and fear.” I have to work on that continually.
I think my New year’s word is “connecting” – online in this new blog world, IRL with giving of myself at every opportunity to church, and friends – to live my life among other lives.
I heart your words.
God bless you and yours and your future graces and theirs
We chose words for 2011 for similar reasons. My word is Reclaim. Learning to "depend" on Him for all things fits nicely don't you think. I look forward to joining this interesting journey this year.
I am now subscribing to your blog. Have a blessed day.
Teenage drivers are such a joy..ack!
I am thinking my word for 2011 is going to be NOW... I have so many things I want to do and ideas to share...but I keep them inside of me... so this year I am going to do it NOW!
My daughter has been driving since August. At first I shuttered each time I sat next to her in the passenger seat. When she was actually going 35 mph, it seemed more like 70! You know the feeling:)
Grand post!
May God continue to smile upon you and give you peace.
Blessings,
Debra
http://debrasblogpureandsimple.blogspot.com
"Depend" on God is an enduring word. Looking forward to more of your writing about the new year.
I, too, remember when both my daughters received their liscense. And when,so fearful, I turned them over to God. Oh I still warn them to be careful, to not text or talk on the phone while driving, to stay alert...I am a mother. There is just that reassurance God knows where and who they are--and He's in charge.
Thank you Pamela and others for your kind words. It makes me feel better to know that others have walked this path and conquered their fears by the grace of God. I pray He’ll do the same for me!
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