Rites of Passage

“Congratulations are in order, right?”

That was the question the insurance agent asked me right after I told her that I needed to add my daughter to our auto policy. “Yes,” I said with a lot of excitement. “I just wanted to be sure,” she said. “Every parent isn’t excited about their kid driving.”

It was a surreal experience taking Claire to get her beginner’s permit today. We walked into the same dingy, rundown DMV office that I had walked into 26 years ago as a nervous 15-year-old. The only thing that had changed over the years was the addition of some now outdated computers.

Her palms were sweating as she filled out the paperwork. When they called her number, she walked up to the same counter where I had stood and took the same test all those years ago. Had it really been 26 years?

I sat in a grimy plastic chair and watched her fidget her way through the test. No bubble sheet to fill in with a #2 pencil --- just a touch screen. After a few minutes the fidgeting ended and she looked at me with a look of relief, then a smile, as she announced, “I passed!”

After it was all over, we went out to the car. I drove a couple of blocks and then pulled over. “Ready to drive?” Claire looked at me wide-eyed, her face filled with fear and excitement. “Now?” “Now,” I said. “We’ll take some back roads and take our time getting home. You’ll be fine.”

And off we went. My “little girl” did great, weaving her way home through the country, even tackling Hwy. 81 during Anderson’s "rush hour." I couldn’t be more proud of her and how she handled herself (and the car).

Today was one of those days in Claire’s life that she’ll never forget. It was a rite of passage and the beginning of a new chapter. It was a day that I’ll never forget either. The Lord reminded me of what an amazing daughter He has blessed us with --- and that has nothing to do with a driver’s license. She’s a wonderful young lady who loves Jesus and people and her family and for that I’m thankful.

Here’s the promise I’m claiming for her life: “. . . being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 (NIV) He has started a good work in her and I am confident He will continue that good work just as He promised.

But do I really have to get ready for boys next?