I meet a lot of people and a lot of them think God is mad at them. He is not.

When I was 15 it was time to get my license. Because I did not attend a public school, I was told that to drive a family car (And save money on my insurance, etc..) I would need driver’s ed. So, I had to make the decision to go to driver’s ed on Saturdays to complete it. And I did have the option of a standard.

My first driving lesson (Not in the classroom) I met Chuck Roberts. He showed up in a tan VW bug. On top was strapped a big yellow and brown sign with the name of the school. Interesting things happened over the next few weeks. I learned to drive in downtown New Haven Connecticut in rush hour! One time I was confronted with 3 “lefts” and I chose the wrong one. Chuck reached over and kept me out of the one way street!

Tonight I had to fill out an insurance form for vehicle insurance for my motorcycle. One quote came in at $468! (What??? I am buying insurance not another motorcycle! I paid $100 for my first car. $350 for my first 1965 Mustang. Even adding them together does not equal that…) And I am watching yet another teenage friend get her license.

Chuck and I got along well. And then came my “evaluation”. Hmmm…I was doing well until the sign blew off the car, dragging behind the VW like a water skier on Route 17.He acquiesced and I was now ready for my test.

A few days I went to Middletown Connecticut for my license.Keep in mind, I had long hair. Very long hair. (My dad would introduce me as “his daughter, Lee”.)And my tester. Crewcut, ex military. He was giving me evil looks l-o-n-g before it was my turn. First examinee hits a car. The next young lady parks so close to the car on his side that when he gets out…his sleeve rips off. Yep, and now it is my turn.

I was driving my mother’s Torino. Forgot to adjust the mirror,but finally got off. He told me where to go. Where to parallel park. (Some people can actually do that!)And again, the speed thing. But he gave me my license, kept his sleeve and no others cars were hit.

Funny how for years I thought God was more like the examiner than the instructor. Concerned more with my mistakes than my progress. Just thinking that makes me nervous. So glad to find out He wasn’t. Not even mad a little bit!

Maybe I will write about my motorcycle or truck license experience one day!

Just a thought!

Written by Lee Johndrow

Lee is the Senior Leader of Abundant Grace Fellowship Church in Keene, NH

He is the father of five wonderful children. Married for over 26 years to his wife Tina. Loving life with family, friends, faith, fun and food!