Five of our kids can drive. They have licenses and registrations in four different states, as well as experience with city traffic, road trips, and severe weather conditions. Four have unfortunately totaled cars, one in another country, though in God's mercy their bodies have stayed intact. 

But when they were little, I did all the driving. Since we homeschooled we had plenty of romps to the park, the beach, and the local arts center. Back then there were no air bags, and they vied for a chance to sit shotgun up front. On occasion the one next to me would offer directions. Just in case I didn't know the way. 

"Turn left. I mean right."

"The light is red, so stop."

"Go a long time on this road until you get to a white fence."

It was enjoyable for both of us to pretend that they were navigating, and I confess that I sometimes went the long way just to sustain the illusion of independence. Yet even with the detours, we usually arrived at our destination just fine.

The other day a friend pointed out that God is driving my life. He is supremely competent for the task, having traveled this way a few times before. Not only that He is more committed to me reaching my goal than I am.

A month ago a friend asked if I would be starting a marriage group in January. I usually avoid weekly commitments in January because of the marriage conference, but I agreed and collected a few couples. He said he could only meet on Thursdays, so Thursday it was. Then the day it was supposed to begin he let me know that they would not be joining us after all. So I was left leading a group for the sake of someone who could not come.

The first meeting had a limpy beginning. Between travel for work and a conflict, one and a half couples showed up. The second week some folks were sick, resulting in a different combination of three people in the chairs. But when I said that we were free to change evenings, another couple was able to jump in, and even invited still other friends at the last minute. So the third evening had a full circle of twelve. It was delightful. 

I had a sneaky feeling that God was driving this one all along. But He was gracious enough to not dispel my illusion of independence.