I wasn’t going to write about this just yet. I wanted to wait until I had actually passed my driving test to share about the lessons I’m learning. But I’m going to write about it anyway because this journey has been a struggle for me, and I’ve eaten my share of humble pie in the last year.
I failed my UK driving test for the fourth time on Wednesday. Yep, you read it right: fourth time. I’m still beating myself up about it because if it weren’t for one silly mistake, I would have passed.
Image Credit: David J Morgan
If you had seen me on that day, I was a mess. Depressed. Kicking myself because I should have known better and passed. God must be teaching me a lesson. But what could that be?
Since day one, I’ve been rebellious toward the whole process of getting a licence in this country. I still can’t believe that Americans can’t just exchange their US licences for a UK one, especially since I drove in the US for 10 years before moving here.
I won’t even go into how pedantic the examiners are for the test. Just know it can seem impossible to pass your driving test in this country. Even the reason why I failed was a bit ridiculous.
God has been humbling me. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been studying 1 Peter recently in my quiet time. The last couple of weeks the word ‘submit’ just kept coming up, and it’s the only word that stood out to me. And I’m not talking about just submitting to my husband. Submitting to authority is important, too (1 Peter 2:13).
I have been stubborn—I haven’t really wanted to submit to the authorities who say this is how I have to get my licence. I have to drive the way they want me to drive in order to pass my test. This might seem like common sense, but it hasn’t been that way for me. Outwardly, I have been trying to get my licence, but inwardly I hate the lengths I have to go through to prove I can drive.
Thankfully, I have Jesus to look to as an example. The way Jesus suffered yet didn’t get angry or fight against the authorities is amazing. I want to be like that, don’t you?
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21
And the next time I take my driving test (in a couple of weeks) I’ll be certain to stop at the zebra crossing if there’s a pedestrian waiting to cross. ;)
Oh, good to hear how God is teaching you through ‘failure.’ I am learning a lot about ‘good enough’ these days just not being able to physically do things I used to — walking up and down the stairs all day long seems so wearing this last month of pregnancy! And the kids so often need me to do something physically difficult (carry them, spank them, get up to do X for them) … and I am so so so glad the “He gently leads those that have young” b/c I get worn out! I suppose not being able to get everything A+ perfect is a good lesson for me too! I’ll be praying for your heart attitude as you continue with the drivers test process!
-Melissa
Thanks Melissa! :) I love that verse from Isaiah. I imagine I’ll be clinging to that verse a lot in the coming days and years, too. Praying for you as you finish out your last few weeks of pregnancy!
Grace to you, Chrysti! Don’t beat yourself up… trust that God’s leading and speaking to you in the midst of this. :) I know you know that… Hope it goes well next time!! You can do it!
Thanks :) Hopefully, next Tuesday will be the last time I have to take my test! Pray for me!! :)