It seems like yesterday that Whitney and I were racing to Northside Hospital in Atlanta, GA so she could give birth to our firstborn son, Jackson. In just a few more weeks, our boy will be turning 16 years old. For the past several months, I’ve been diligently teaching him how to drive a stick shift vehicle. It’s a clunker, but it runs beautifully and is truly a base model. It is his, though. He bought it with his own money from working, and my dad gave him an incredible deal. I knew he could learn how to drive a stick shift. He just had to “get it” and tonight, it finally clicked. All the training in parking lots, baby hills to mammoth hills. Stopping and starting and teaching him every trick to minimize the hopping, and he has finally figured it out.
A few weeks ago, he had his moments of doubt and was ready to give up. I thought he was ready to actually get on the road with other vehicles. My fear came to reality when the Mercedes behind him pulled up within inches of his bumper. It was on a small hill, and when the light turned green, cars were honking, and he “killed” it. Anxiety set in from all the impatient people. I told him to calm down, take a deep breath and do what you have trained to do. He cranked it back up and although it was far from a perfect start, he got that little Toyota Tacoma going again. We immediately drove to Pelham High School so he could practice some more with no other vehicles. Then…the big test. We went back to the same spot that nearly gave him and me a heart attack. My boy made me extra proud, and I think I scared him as I began cheering for him as he masterfully switched those gears like a pro.
So many of us have been in training for the Kingdom of God for years. We all have moments of doubts, fears, concerns, and at times, moments where we consider throwing in the towel. Take a lesson from a soon to be 16 year old stick shift driver… Don’t you ever, ever, ever give up!!! Anchor to God’s Word, pray, DO what you have trained to do, and you will “GET IT.”
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Gal 6:9 NIV)