Driving lessons

Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Proverbs 4:10-12 (NIV)

I have a new hobby, driving. Not a car, but my horse. I received an old horse sulky for my birthday. Husband and I stripped and repainted the wood frame, and he is sandblasting the metal parts to put it back together again. He ordered new tires, and I found someone to replace the leather pieces. However, there is just a small problem. My horse, Trucker, does not know how to pull a cart. Now if I have learned one thing in my fifty years, it is that you never waste money when you hire a horse trainer. In fact, it can save on hospital bills. Last week, a trainer came out to check the safety of my equipment and help me teach Trucker how to pull the cart. He is taking to driving like a duck to water, no more like a Morgan to a cart, for she tells me that Morgans were designed to be versatile animals and driving is just one of many talents in their genes. In fact, he is doing so well, she suspects that he was taught to drive before I purchased him as a young horse and so he really just needs a refresher course. Just to be on the safe side, we are not skipping any steps. I promised my husband I would stay out of the emergency room. Before he is actually hooked to the cart, he has to be steady on all the commands. So, Trucker and I practice by ground driving back and forth and up and down our pasture. Long lines extend from his bridle. I walk behind him and direct him to turn, stop or back by signaling with the reins and voice commands. He turns with ease, trots (with me huffing and puffing at a jog behind him), whoas and stands quite well. Surprisingly the hardest part is going in a straight line. If I do not pay attention, he will wander from side to side and at a diagonal. It may be because I am giving him slight corrections that I do not feel, so I am learning to keep my hands still and even. However, even just a few steps to one side or another and we go off course. The best way to keep on the straight path is to fix my eyes on a far landmark such as a tree or fence post. Then, I know immediately if we veer away from our destination and can guide Trucker quickly back on path. Some people think of God as a harsh taskmaster who set this world into orbit and then, stood back to watch us mess things up. Instead, God wants an active part in our life; He wants to have a relationship with us. He desires that we turn to Him for wisdom and direction in all areas of our life. Then, when we submit to His Hands on the reins, He leads us in the path that is best for us to go.