大象传媒

Good morning.

In this my fifth decade, I have decided to take up the challenge, once more, of learning to drive. I had taken some lessons in my twenties, but that seems like a lifetime ago now. It鈥檚 now time to take on this mission impossible, and invest the emotional energy and hard work to pass my practical test.

It鈥檚 fair to say that it hasn鈥檛 been easy. After a false start with a first instructor, I find myself on solid ground with my second, who has been encouraging yet also firm. We are making good progress together, though roundabouts need an awful lot of prayer. To be honest, I鈥檝e not really felt the need to drive, having lived in big cities or university towns all my life. All were very well served by good public transport. Though I am aware that there has been privilege in that, as I have not had to negotiate a disability and fight for equal access to what should be accessible to all.

As my status moves from passenger to driver, safety is at the fore, as is having due regard for other road users. There is so much to learn, and adapt to, and practise over and over again. I expect that is the same for anyone whose role changes at home or in a place of employment: from being a partner to becoming a partner and carer, for example, or moving from a junior to a middle or senior role. And with these changes, we have a new set of expectations to meet, and new duties to take on.

So, today, at the end of the week, may I be granted the patience, awareness, and care to navigate new roles and responsibilities with grace.

Amen.