A Purpose-Driving Life
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[3 Comments]Years ago someone asked me what I wanted on my tombstone. I replied, rather flippantly, "She drove girls."
At the time I had a 1989 red Ford Tempo with 189,000 miles on it, of which I was sure 188,000 of those miles had been used to drive girls—to the mall and volleyball practice. To softball games and the mall. To the mall and church youth group. To the beach. To Taco Bell. To school. To the mall.
It was either drive them or risk them finding rides with someone's sister's boyfriend. As long as my daughters and their myriad of close, personal friends were in the backseat of my car with me at the wheel, I knew where they were. It's a control thing, but a common sense thing, too. Although I didn't realize it at the time, it was also a ministry thing.
Not too long ago, Kelly's mother called to thank me for what I'd done for her daughter. Kelly, who had died from leukemia at age 21, had been my daughter Laura's childhood best friend.
At first I thought she was thanking me for reading something I'd written for Kelly's funeral, but I realize now she'd meant something else, which brings me back to my purpose-driving life.
Years before, I'd prayed that God would give me a grand purpose in life. He answered by giving me two daughters and a set of car keys.
"Drive," he said.
So drive I did—and became known among the other moms as Transportation Central. And I loved every minute of it.
It actually proved to be quite educational—I learned I could be invisible. The girls would all pile into my car and start talking about stuff girls talk about, which meant boys and other girls. As if I wasn't even in the car—hence the invisibility factor—they would start dishing the dirt.
You can learn a lot by being invisible, and as I listened to their conversations, you can bet I prayed as I drove!
During my years of driving girls, my car was used as a cafeteria, a beauty parlor, a dressing room, a last-minute study hall, a laundry hamper, and a place to take a nap.
It was also at times a confessional and a sanctuary. Something amazing happened when my little red Tempo filled with girls.
God entered.
Sometimes I wonder if those girls in the backseat realized his presence. I think maybe they did, because every once in a while (when they would acknowledge my presence) they would ask me questions about my Christian faith or my opinion of Ouija boards or levitating. We discussed Buddhism, paganism, and Marilyn Manson. Sometimes I was able to pray out loud for them.
It was all so very natural, yet not. It was mundane and ordinary, yet incredibly holy. Now that my daughters are grown, I actually miss those days.
At one time I'd wanted to be somebody important, to do great and grand things. I ended up driving girls. It wasn't what I'd envisioned, but for a good portion of my life it was what I'd been created and called to do.
Related Topics:
Evangelism, lifestyle, parenting, Teenagers
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zmomof3
Wonderful article with perfect timing-a God breeze message for me. Rcntly told "I wasted my college educ. as FT mom". It's something I often feel looked down on for. Reflect my own feelings: what have I really accomplished?! Now realize: not only have I been raising my own children but influencing (positively I hope) the other kids I have babysat, the numerous playdates, the relig.ed students taught, time as classroom volunteer, and the neverending carpools too. My kids are spaced from starting grade school thru college so sometimes its easy to lose perspective and feel caught in the never-ending mundane chores or to have a pity party and heap the dosage of unappreciation on myself. Thanks for opening my eyes and my soul to see the joy and the blessings that I have in this special "job" and the very real ministry it is. Just because I am not an official recognized ministry does not invalidate it or my role. Thank you for inspiration, affirmation, and re-energizing my soul!
Shannon
If only more of us would be able to see the mundane parts of our lives as ministry . . . our world would be a different place!
Sue
This is so very beautiful and so very inspiring!
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