The pleasure of driving

I only started driving in November 2010 which means I have already been driving for more than a year now! I can't believe it. So, it's really true, no one is too old to learn something new. I'm 41 now, by the way.

Would you believe that I enrolled in driving and got my first student permit in 1997? Yep, it's that long. And I got 2-3 more student permits after that, hahaha. And for my last student permit, the clerk at the LTO joked if I was going to make it my life's mission to forever get a student permit and never graduate to a driver's license. Funny sir! 

But in January 2010, I decided to finally take the exam. I passed it and got my driver's license. However, it took me another 10 months to get the courage to drive a car. I was forced by the situation and I was challenged, and I told myself, there should be no more turning back. And so, in the evening of November 2010 (can't recall the exact date, darn!), I finally sat in the car, turned the key, and drove the vehicle. The car was automatic so there was less pressure and less fear. I was driving 20-30 kilometers per hour to the consternation of the other drivers behind me, lol!

Hmmm... that was a little over a year ago. Today, I drove like a pro, wohoo! Hehehe, am just kidding. I am just as careful now as I was when I started driving. The moment I turn the ignition on, I also say my prayer for safety and protection. I always say "Lord, protect me and car from all forms of harm, pave the way for me so I won't encounter any trouble on the road, make my eyes, my hands and my feet yours so they remain active and my reflexes remain sharp. Keep my temper at bay and help me to be patient always. Lord, may you also protect the other motorists who may pass my way. In Jesus' name I pray, amen." On top of my prayer for my children, this is the same prayer I pray every time I go out of the house. And I am never complacent, there's no harm in being careful all the time. I drive fast just like any driver I know but I only do this when the road is clear.

I enjoy driving but there are stuff that annoy me on the road. I get annoyed at reckless drivers. I get annoyed at motorcycles snaking their way through my car. I get annoyed at unthinking and careless pedestrians.  I get annoyed following big, slow-moving trucks. But I don't let my annoyance get in the way of the pleasure of driving. I strive always, always to savor the fun of driving.

It's not only city-driving for me. I also drive out of town now and safety is always my concern and priority. I start early to avoid the rush and to avoid being late in my appointments. I feel it's the only way to reach my destination safely.

Driving is fun. You just have to be extra careful. And most importantly, never, ever forget to pray for God's protection. Always.

Happy driving everyone!