Eyes Forward.

This is the second post is part of the Everywhere series.

No one drives my car.

Unless you helped pay for it, or your name is on the insurance, it’s a no for me, dawg.

Even when the boo and I were dating, I wouldn’t let him drive. Looking back on it now, I’m sure he may have been taken aback and maybe even a little offended by my stance on this. He knew I trusted him, I loved him and his driving record was clean.

But it changed nothing.

Now while I stand by my decision to be the sole captain of my ship (read: 2013 Honda Accord), I’m sure there were days when it would have taken a load off my shoulders to simply hand the keys over and allow someone else to drive.

But I never wavered.

Jesus can take the wheel. You, my friend, cannot.

Do you trust me?

I just recently saw the musical “Aladdin” on Broadway (which was f a n t a s t i c) and came upon the scene when Aladdin and Jasmine are about to go on their magic carpet ride.

Jasmine, being unsure and skeptical about their adventure (and rightfully so, you don’t know this man), was hesitant to step out the window. That’s when Prince Ali reached out his hand and asked her “do you trust me?”

I’m going to assume you know how she answered, considering their night ride across several countries, both of them singing sweet nothings to the other.

But had that question been posed to me, my answer would have looked a little different.

“Do you trust me?

Nope.

Negative, ghost rider.

You got me straight trippin’, boo.

When it comes to other people driving my car, it all boils down to that question – “do you trust me?”

Spoiler alert: I do not.

Jesus said to love my neighbor. The trusting part, we’re still working on.

When I’m behind the wheel, I’m in control (sorta) and I can trust my senses (for the most part) to guide me home.

But then there are some exceptions.

Are you sure I have enough space?

Have you ever, when driving, found yourself in a tight spot (literally) and needed someone to get out and guide you through?

Think: garage, tight parking space, etc.

That’s when you find yourself not being in control and having to trust someone else’s senses to help you navigate.

And the whole time, you’re thinking “I’m going to hit something” and repeateadly asking “are you sure I have enough space?”

I’m not a fan.

Now sure, I’m still behind the wheel, but I’m not maneuvering this car based on what I can see. Rather, I’ve got to keep my eyes on the one who has a better line of sight and trust that we’ll make it.

To which I will say again.

Not a fan.

Fix your eyes.

In the Christian language and lingo (read: Christian-ese), we love throwing around the phrase “Fix your eyes on Jesus.” (Heb. 12:2)

Which is all fine and well and I’ll get right on that. But before I do… umm… how do I do that? Many phrases and terminology we use sound suuuuuuper spiritual, but what does it mean?

What does it look like to fix my eyes on Jesus?

Eyes forward.

As I mentioned, I’m not particularly keen on having to rely on someone else’s eyes. I’m vulnerable, a little anxious and no longer in control.

But anxiety aside and logically speaking, if you’re standing in front of me, with a better line of sight than I have, then you’re likely my best shot at making it through this tight predicament I find myself in.

So, what do I do?

I keep my eyes forward — locked in on you. And I won’t look away until we’re done.

Recently, I found myself in this exact situation. As I was white-knuckling the steering wheel, solely depending on this guy to help me park the car, I had a lightbulb moment. I thought “Ohhhhh, is this what it means? Is this what everyone is talking about when they tell me to fix my eyes on Jesus?!”

Think about it.

My eyes are locked in on someone who is standing in front me.

Just as He goes before me, promising to be with me – to not fail or quit on me. (read: He won’t let me crash the car.)

They are have a more clear, non-obtrustive line of sight – way better than mine.

Just as His ways and thoughts are higher than mine. (In other words, He sees more than I ever could.)

Meaning, with my eyes on Him, I can trust that He is absolutely my best shot at making it through this tight predicament I find myself in.

Now what?

I have to remember not to over complicate what God wants from me.

Fix my eyes on Jesus.

Or maybe, more plainly is this:

• Trust Him
• Focus on Him
• Keep my eyes forward

And trust that He’ll get me through the tight spots in life.

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Like I said. He’s everywhere.