“If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” —Psalm 139:9-10, NIV
Are you a good passenger? I hate to admit it, but I can be a Nervous Nellie when someone else is in the driver’s seat. My husband has said on more than one occasion, “Stop trying to drive.”
I’ve found if I sit in the back seat—behind the driver so I can’t see the road or the speedometer—I’m a better traveler. However, it’s not a sure cure and can look a bit odd, especially if there are only two in the car.
It’s been said, ”We learn what we live.” That’s gotta be it—Mother’s to blame. I distinctly remember my dad presenting her with an actual backseat driver’s license. Don’t be too quick to laugh. They are available, and you might just qualify for one.
Check out the ten things I’ve put together below to see if you’re eligible to be a proud recipient. Perhaps, you’ll have some qualifications of your own to add. If so, please place them in the comment section below.
You might be a backseat driver if…
1. You complain about the driver going too fast or too slow.
2. You gasp loudly at any slight braking movement.
3. You throw your feet or hands up on the dashboard when you think the driver should brake.
4. You tell the driver what color the traffic light is.
5. You cover your eyes with your hands.
6. When driving home, you tell your spouse where to turn.
7. You tell the driver their shortcut is actually longer.
8. You argue with the GPS.
9. Hissing sounds come from your side of the car. (My husband is convinced there’s a snake in ours.)
10. You’re delegated to sit in the back seat.
How did you do? Did you pass with flying colors? If so, welcome to my unofficial Backseat Driver’s Society. For additional fun, print out your own backseat driver’s license at the LotOKnots Etsy site. There is a small fee, but it just might save you a huge fine if you’re caught traveling without one.
On a more serious note, I took the above picture on a small plane while flying over the Grand Canyon on a blustery day. Giving the pilot a few pointers or seating myself at the controls never crossed my mind. Why then, am I eager to position myself at the controls of my life when there is One far more capable than I?
Perhaps, like me, you should take a back seat. Let’s throw caution to the wind and enjoy the ride.
You in?
Now its your turn. Which numbers qualify you? Do you have some of your own to share?
I always welcome your comments.
When you can’t take it anymore, you take the wheel. Since my husband’s open heart surgery, he’s been content to let me drive. I admit, it’s frustrating to have a backseat driver running a continuous commentary on your driving.
I hear you. My husband really is a good driver, and I like for him to drive. I try to keep my comments to myself, but sometimes they just slip out. Funny how that happens. 🤪 I hope your husband gets along well. Thanks for commenting.
Am not a backseat driver; as when humanly possible, I DRIVE. 🙂 Diane has resigned herself to that fact, but post-surgery and days like that, she gets more than a earful. In fact, I’ve had her pull off to the side of the road, drugged and all, to drive the rest of the way home. Thanks for this morning’s chuckle Ms. Starr. I pictured my Diane (I call her “Gracie”; as in Allen [only a few of us remember her]) as I read each one of them.
Aha! 😳 I knew there was more out there…and in the opposite gender. 😂 Thanks for stepping up. You’re a man of noble character. 😃 Thanks for adding to the fun. Be blessed.
It is hard to let go of the wheel and let God in the driver’s seat. But as you say, he is far more competent. I often arrive at the destination flabbergasted at how much better & beautiful it is when I let him drive!🥰 I’m sitting on an airplane ✈️ on my way to a funeral, so I really appreciated your words this morning.