This past week I found myself in an unusual position—I was relegated to the back seat of my own vehicle. My youngest daughter, Addison, was driving, and her classmate and lifelong friend, Megan, was riding shotgun.

These two girls had been making deliveries for their class fundraiser. One of those deliveries was for our family, so I asked them to pick me up on their way back so that I could use the car. While I waited for them, I decided to make myself lunch. I had just finished making myself two quesadillas when Addy and Megan came into the house, announcing their arrival as only they could. After quickly making myself two additional quesadillas—I will let you guess what happened to the first two—we left, giving me this unique view from the back seat.

As I endured this nerve-wracking yet entertaining viewpoint, I found myself reflecting on some specific truths. Here are a few thoughts from the back seat. While readers may or may not know these two girls, I believe there are some applications here for everyone.

Addy and Megan are the third generation of the same church.

Megan’s grandparents came to our church when her dad was in junior high. He was a few years younger than I was—he was a freshman when I was a senior in high school. He now serves as one of my deacons. Megan’s mom will edit and proofread this Daily Report and then post this on my website, as she works for me at Greg Neal Daily.

Addison is also third-generation, as she is the pastor’s kid of a pastor’s kid. The view from the back seat reveals the fruit of the same, consistent church. Sadly, most churches do not stay the same over three generations. How blessed these two girls are that our church has remained steadfast.

Iron sharpens iron.

The book of Proverbs reminds us that a friend should “sharpen” or improve a friend. Addy and Megan have spent their entire lives together, starting in the church nursery. Lord willing, in May, they will graduate from high school together.

They both may be upset with me for writing this, but their relationship has been one of rivalry, fun, fellowship, and “frenemies.” They have gotten on each other’s nerves and stepped on each other’s toes. However, I have also watched them band together with the mentality of sisters—meaning that, when it comes down to it, they truly care about each other.

Each is talented and confident in different areas. Addy is the youngest in our family, while Megan is the oldest in hers. They are different and unique, yet in many ways, they are the same.

Here is the point: There have been times they have not gotten along, but they have made each other better. One excelling above the other in a specific area has caused them both to grow. They have been stuck with each other since birth, and both are better because of it.

How many times do we let emotions ruin a relationship that God put in our life to make us better? We have a choice—we can allow our friendships to sharpen us or dull us. I would rather my child grow than win 100% of the time.

It is a quick trip from the car seat to the driver’s seat.

It was hard to believe that those little girls who sat where I now sat in the back seat are today in the front seat, with my youngest driving. I have watched them both grow from silly little girls, strapped into car seats, into young adults preparing to face the world.

Because the journey from car seats to adulthood is so quick, it is vital that we give our children the stability they need to grow in the Lord and reach their potential. I know of families who left the church because their child was not getting along with another child. How foolish! It is those moments of conflict and “not getting along” that help them grow and become who they are meant to be. Stability breeds security.

It was an entertaining ride from the back seat. As I interacted with them, it was easy to get a cackle from Megan and “the look” in the rearview mirror from Addy—if you know, you know!

Sharing life with others is such a joy. Grow where God plants you so that one day you can enjoy the view from the back seat.