Keep It Between The Lines

Sometimes we are unsure of tomorrow or what will come next. We question whether we have the ability or understanding to navigate the path ahead. When we are little, we seek help from our father to show us “how” and to guide our hands to get us started in the right direction. As we grow older, we learn that so much of our life is ahead of us and so much more to experience.

When we have our own kids, that learning experience begins again with roles reversed. It is our turn to help and build confidence in our children so they can find their way forward. We may not feel equipped for the task and that is when we call on our Father in Heaven to help us move forward and know we are not alone.

The message in this song by Rick Van Shelton has reminded me over the years of the circle of life that we experience. God gave us all brains and He could have provided us the ability to know immediately how to everything. However, we bond with our children through these learning experiences that He knew were so important. Do not let other people steal that experience away from you.

He was sitting beside me
In the passenger seat
As I looked through the windshield
At the quiet little street
He was smiling so proud
As he gave me the key
But inside, I knew
He was as nervous as me

I said, “Daddy, oh daddy
Are you sure I know how
Are you sure that I’m ready
To drive this car now”

He said, “I’m right here beside you
And you’re gonna do fine
All you gotta do
Is keep it between the lines

‘Cause it’s a long, narrow road
Only the good Lord knows
Where it leads in the end
But you got to begin
So keep your hands on the wheel
Believe in the things that are real
Just take your time
And keep it between the lines

I was sitting in my chair
And sneaking a look at him
Lying on the floor with his coloring book
Then he caught me watching
And he climbed on my knee

He said “Daddy, oh daddy
Would you do one with me”
Then I hugged him so tightly
As we turned the page
Said, “I haven’t done this
Since I was your age”

He said, “I’m right here beside you
And you’re gonna do fine
Daddy, all you gotta do
Is keep it between the lines”

So we finished the picture
And I put him to bed
Got down on my knees and I bowed my head

I said “Father, oh father, I feel so alone
Are you sure I can raise him
With his mommy gone”
Then the answer came back so gentle and low
In words of my daddy, from so long ago

He said, “I’m right here beside you
And you’re gonna do fine
All you gotta do
Is keep it between the lines”

So keep your hands on the wheel
Believe in the things that are real
Take your time, and
Keep it between the lines

Just take your time, and
Keep it between the lines