In the Driver's Seat

On the open road of life, more often than not, we occupy the passenger seat. It's not always a comfortable place to be, but it serves a purpose. 

• It teaches us to give up control and enjoy the ride. 
• It also teaches us to observe others as they handle situations; to use this time to strengthen our own decision-making skills.
• The passenger's seat gives us opportunity to relinquish, relax and restore our faith in others as they man the helm. 

Everybody wants to be in the driver's seat - it's the place of power. The place where you get to ask the questions and make the calls. Or is it?

Remember Driving Miss Daisy? Who drove and who controlled? Miss Daisy barked out orders from the back seat while quiet and accommodating Mr. Hoke Colburn took it in stride, at the wheel of the car; never complaining and almost always remaining calm.

Perhaps you're now confused. So who does hold the position of power? The driver? The passenger? The boss? The employee? The horse? The jockey?

It may seem pretty confusing, but it's really quite simple. Let's take another walk down Memory Lane. Remember the old Certs commercial: Certs is a breath mint, no Certs is a candy mint. Certs is two, two, two mints in one? Did one aspect override the other or did they provide dual functions that worked well together?

It doesn't really matter who appears to be in the driver's seat. The fact remains that a carriage isn't going anywhere without the horse, yet the driver controls the ride. Being in the driver's seat is a huge responsibility but it can never replace the importance of the passenger. What's a taxi driver without a paying customer? Just a driver out for a ride.

Whether you're in command, second in line or at the very end of the line, each position has a reason, a right and a responsibility to the others. When life is in balance, everyone's true purpose becomes clear and apparent. When we recognize that we are where we are supposed to be, that is when life makes sense, becomes easier and is purposeful. That is the real power.