I’ve shared on this blog before about my struggle with learning how to drive, so I knew that I’d also share on here what I learned through the whole experience when I finally passed. When I thought about what I would have learned when I passed, I imagined it would be lessons about perseverance, overcoming fear and anxiety, character building, and faith. It is all those things, but, from the other side, I can see it’s so much more. It’s more than just fighting our battles and overcoming our struggles. It’s more beautiful than that.

I remember listening to a Steffany Gretzinger sermon in which she spoke about inviting others into our stories and letting them fight for us. Since passing, I’ve been thinking about the fact that if God didn’t give us battles that were too big for us, we wouldn’t have the opportunity to invite other people into our stories in the same way. We could just soldier on and fight all our battles alone, missing out on the whole point.

The week before passing my test, I started to realise that I had a pretty incredible team of people around me. I knew that already, but it was dawning on me in a new way. I realised that I had some of the best championers of my heart in my life that I could ever dream of or hope for. People who had prayed for me, encouraged me, spoken life over me, or who had simply held my hand or given me a hug when I needed it. I began to stop and count my blessings. In doing that, I realised I had much, much more to be thankful for than I did to be fearful of.

That’s huge.

I think there’s a connection between freedom from anxiety and security in the love of the people around us. I think that’s what God’s building in me.

I wrote a song earlier this year with the line, “I’m secure in your love. You have my trust.” It wasn’t a song about relationships that were free from pain, disappointment or the need for forgiveness; it was the exact opposite. However, it was about the need for me (and each of us) to be emotionally vulnerable (not hard hearted and guarded) and willing to trust the people around me with my heart even when they don’t always steward it perfectly. It’s a reminder that it’s the moments of forgiveness, restoration, and authenticity that bring deep connection. So, I can freely give my heart, love and trust to the people around me because I know that even when we let eachother down, God wants to use those very times to strengthen both us and our relationships.

I guess I’m mostly learning and relearning that people are a gift. I can get easily caught up in a task, chore, or job that I need to do and forget that nothing I ever do or can achieve is as important as the people I’ve been given. Too many times I get frustrated or anxious over a ‘thing’ and don’t stop to invite the people around me into my heart. Learning to drive has been a beautiful lesson in this for me. Not only can I invite other people into my heart and battles; in doing so, I can also love them well and fight alongside them in their battles.

“We were never meant to do this alone.”

I’m convinced that God allows us to face battles that are too big for us because we were always supposed cling onto Him (first) and to invite other people into our stories.

What if it’s less about the battle we’re facing and more about the people He gives us along the way?

It’s all about relationship. That’s our highest purpose: to be in relationship with God and the people He gives us.

I’m praying that I never loose sight of that.

You have my permission to remind me of that. And let me know if you need reminding.

So, a conclusion to my 9+ years learning to drive story (an end that is really only the beginning) : I passed my test. Jesus is so kind.

Instead of being annoyed or disappointed that it’s taken me this long, I am actually extremely grateful that I haven’t passed until now. God’s timing is perfect. He knows exactly what He’s doing (remind yourself of that when you’re disheartened that you’re not achieving something as quickly as you hoped to or thought you would). If I had passed any earlier, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to invite my family and friends (all of whom are heroes and wonders) into my struggles and let them love and support me.

To my family and beloved, beloved friends: I am so thankful for you. I love that I get to love you. And especially to my mum, who has worked just as hard and as long as I have to enable me to pass: you’re amazing. I love you. Thank you.

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear…”
I John 4:18a NKJV