Who's Driving

One Sunday morning many years ago, when our oldest daughter was four years old and I was still rather “green” at parenting, she “professed her faith” as we were getting ready to attend Sunday morning Mass. She said she was going to see God at church that morning. I realized from what she said that she thought our pastor was God. As we made our way to the car, I told her that our pastor was not God and, in fact, we cannot see God.

With a hint of disappointment she asked, “So I’m not going to see God at church?” Of course, as a young parent, I was very excited that my child was asking questions about God. I wanted to seize the moment, so I began my “lesson” by telling her that while she cannot see God, He is everywhere; and that not only is God everywhere, He knows all things and can do all things. I could tell the wheels were spinning as she asked in amazement, “So, God is everywhere?” I answered with a very affirming “yes”, thinking how quickly she seemed to be absorbing what I was saying.

She then asked, “So, God is in our car right now?” Believing that I needed to keep it simple, I again answered “yes” as she continued, “…and God can do anything?”  “Yes,” I said, thinking how well my little lesson about God was resonating with her when she matter-of-factly instructed me, “Well, then, tell Dad to pull over and let God drive the car.”

Trying to keep my composure and still “seize the moment” as best I could, I now scrambled to try to “save the moment” by telling her that God could drive a car if He wanted to, but He really has more important things to do, like caring for everyone in the whole world. Not knowing what question she might ask next, I was extremely relieved, as we were now entering church and I could reinforce another lesson I had been taught when I was younger ... NO TALKING IN CHURCH!  

Later that day as I shared this amusing story with others, I had an “epiphany.” My intention was to seize the moment for a faith lesson when, in fact, God seized the moment and opened my eyes to the true meaning of what my daughter had said. To pull over and let God drive is exactly what I need to do to be a true follower of Jesus Christ.

But how many of us, myself included, really let God take the reigns each day and guide us on our way. I know I struggle, some days more so than others, as I drive along through my day ignoring God’s presence. Rather than discern God’s will, I use my freedom to drive to the place of my own personal choice.

If we all made a conscious effort to pull over and let God drive, I believe we could change the world – or at least make a huge difference. The evil in the world is a concern for all of us, and many of us question why God allows so much corruption. I believe the reality is that God is not allowing the evil to happen, but God is allowing us to choose who is going to drive. God stands ready to take the wheel and guide us. Let us pray for each other that the Holy Spirit will give us the courage to trust as we pull over and let God drive. United in prayer and faith we can change the world, one choice at a time.