Driver or Passenger

I recently attended the Dr. Tim Elmore (GrowingLeaders.com) seminar that focused on the iY Generation (our children).  When I attend a seminar such as this, listen to a pod cast, or watch an informative video online, my prayer is “Lord, give me one gold nugget of knowledge that I can process and implement in to my life.”  Many times, several gold nuggets are provided, but one usually stands out as the leader of the collection.

Dr. Elmore provided great information and insight as to how our children are wired and how we can best parent them to be all that God created them to be.  All were fantastic gold nuggets.  The one gold nugget that had the most impact really wasn’t focused on my children, but it was focused directly at me.  He unpacked a resource called Habitudes, which are a series of images that have biblical and character development meanings behind them.  One image was titled, Passengers and Drivers.  This immediately caught my attention.  Prior to serving at Circle, I spent over ten years in the auto insurance industry.  He explained that there are clear differences between the two roles.

Passengers are usually along for the ride.   They just want to have fun (change the station on the radio, CD or iPod.  They want to interact socially with those in the car.

Drivers on the other hand, have a different role.  They have a responsibility to get those passengers in their car safely to the destination.  They must be focused on the road or path to identify any roadblocks ahead.  They must be adaptable as driving conditions can change quickly.  What we are talking about is the driver takes a leadership role.

My thoughts have moved to the question:  “Am I a driver or a passenger?”  I applied this question to several different aspects of my life.

Am I a driver or a passenger —
In my spiritual relationships?
In my personal growth and development?
In my marriage?
In my parenting?
In my job?
In my friendships?
In my church?
In my service for others?

You get the picture.  What you don’t’ see is that my pride would probably say that I am driver in ALL of those areas.  A fair and honest examination would likely prove to be contradictory.  There are times that I drive, but other times I am a passenger.  Why is this?  I know that my heart desires to be a driver or leader in these areas.  Could it be that some of those areas are driving through the storms of life?  Where did the sunshine go?  Do I not value the “car” that is in my life?

As I ponder these questions, I realize that the more successful drivers are AWARE and INTENTIONAL.   They are aware of the responsibility and privilege of “driving” and intentionally strive to become better drivers while regularly taking care of their “cars” through maintenance, enhancements and care.

Each day brings an opportunity to be thankful for the many blessings the Lord has provided each of us.  Will you join me in striving to become a Driver and not a Passenger in the areas noted above?  I have no doubts that our active efforts with make a positive impact in our families and those we interact with.  Have a blessed week.  See you on the “roads’!

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1. 

   Lisa Tipton says:

   April 10, 2011 at 10:17 pm

   I agree 100%. Many, many take-a ways and gold nuggest from the event. Loved the way you used the Driver/Passenger to apply to your own life. I discovered today the same thing… I could use a “tune up” in many of the same habitudes Elmore describes in his books too! They aren’t just for our kids. We did a “Habitude” tonight around our dinner table on thermostats and thermometers – the one Dr. Elmore shared about being one who “sets the climate” not one who adjusts to the climate they in which they find themselves. We all discussed one great value we hoped to model this week – one that we could be a thermostat and lead others to higher ground.
2. 

   Tammie French says:

   April 12, 2011 at 10:05 am

   Mike, Thank you so much for sharing your insights. The word picture of our lives as our car and us as a driver or passenger is wonderful. I wonder though, should we not allow others to “drive” sometimes in our relationships? If we are always the “driver” are we not too controlling? I don’t know the answers to these questions I am asking. What do you think?
3. 

   Mike Stroup says:

   April 12, 2011 at 11:53 am

   Tammie, I certainly believe that there are times that we should drive and times that we should be a passenger. I am thankful that I have taken the first step in my self evaluation by honestly answering “Am I a driver or a passenger”?

   Now the next question I am reviewing: “Is this the role I should be playing as it relates to those key areas?” This is more challenging as the variables are different and continually changing. I will need to be prayerful and diligent to gain a clearer understanding. My heart’s desire is to do what God wants me to do. I would be disappointed in myself if I have moved into a more passive passenger role when I should be driving (or vice versa).

   Some questions that are helping me as it relates to each area are:
   What are my goals and desires? (Objectives)
   Who am I partnering with in this area? (Relationships)
   What is the plan? (Strategic)
   How am I (we/us) going to succeed? (Implementation)
   Am I willing to make course / role adjustments to reach the desired result? (Adaptability)
   Will I give praise and celebrate the journey that God has placed me on? (Appreciation)

   Thank you for your thoughts. My hope is that more people will realize that they are not alone. God has created each of us with unique strengths and purpose. As a body we should encourage, challenge, strengthen and love one another to fulfill His Plan. Have a blessed day!