New Driver

New Driver

As I waited in traffic for the light on a crowded city street to change, I noticed a handmade cardboard sign taped to the back of the very nice car just in front of me. “Caution,” it said. “New Driver. Be Patient. Makes Sudden Stops. Thank You.” The words were followed by a smiley face. I considered the uncommon humility of the driver—or the driver’s parent—who made this sign. The sign said to other drivers I’m new at this—and I might not be very good at it yet. Please show me grace.

We don’t often see or hear such honest confessions. More routinely, we claim more expertise than we actually possess. “Oh, sure, I know how to do that,” we insist. Or “Yes, of course I’m familiar with ___.” Or “Thanks, but I’ve got this. No worries.” Except we don’t always. Even if we’ve lived long enough to be proficient at a great many things, we are still amateurs in many other areas.

Maybe wearing hand-lettered signs around our necks would be a bit much, but it wouldn’t hurt to admit that, young or old, we’re still new at some rather important things. For example, I could truthfully say, “Please be patient with me. I’m new at asking for help, and I might pretend I don’t need it—even if I do.” Or “Caution: I’m prone to make critical comments when I’m angry or stressed. You might want to steer wide of me today.” Or “I’m not great about saying I was wrong and asking forgiveness. Just so you know.” There are plenty of things at which, even after years of following Christ, I am still a rank amateur. How about you?

There’s no shame in letting others know we’re still learning. I seek to follow my Savior, but I do badly at times. I’m inexperienced in holiness, although I desperately desire it. Please be patient with me. I stand in need of grace, and I would return the same to you, if you asked.

Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Romans 12:2, MSG