The Online Driving Class

     I’ve gotten many certificates during my lifetime…birth, baptism, diplomas, teaching and several others. The most recent one was obtained after taking an eight hour online course: a “Mature Driver Improvement Course” certificate! The word ‘mature’ was probably preferred over ‘senior’ or ‘aged’ or…but it seemed funny to finally be reaching the status of a ‘mature’ driver after nearly fifty years on the road!

    Al signed up for the driving improvement course and very tactfully recommended that I take it too. Since I was the main driver while he was recuperating from ankle surgery, it sounded like a good idea. A refresher course couldn’t hurt anyway.

     Actually, my mother taught me how to drive since dad was teaching and coaching full-time. We practiced in a parking lot at the junior college which was near our home, with the three-year old twins in the back seat of the car. There were no seat belts or infant car seats back then and the babies didn’t sit still for long, which shortened the length of our lessons considerably.

     One afternoon while pulling into a parking space, I accidentally hit the gas pedal instead of the brake and drove up over the curb into an Oleander bush. We were all okay, but were pretty frazzled afterwards, especially with the crying coming from the back seat. I decided to wait a year before getting my license so that I could practice driving more and study the rules of the road. Even then it took awhile before I had enough confidence to drive alone. 

      The online driver’s course had many interesting lessons and videos; some of the information shared was completely new even after so many years of driving. There were also good reminders about scanning the road ahead, using the side mirrors as well as rear view mirror constantly and driving without being distracted.

      One major emphasis in the class was on recognizing changes as we age—changes in hearing, eyesight, flexibility, judgment, memory and reflexes, for example. The key is to be aware of changes or accept the observations of our passengers and those close to us. There are many ways of accommodating to changes if we take the initiative.

      The last big decision we must make is when to hang up the car keys… a difficult one because it means giving up our independence and having to depend upon others or find alternate modes of transportation. So hard to do!

       Please help us make these life changes with grace, dear Lord. Forgive us for stubbornness and for not listening when you speak to our hearts. May we always trust in your love and know that you have a good plan for our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen

     

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”  Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV

(Published in the Porterville Recorder, June 2014)