I can’t wait to have my own car.

A year ago I was singing a different tune.

A year ago I was a learning driver, a very reluctant motorist thrust into the pilot’s seat by the sheer will of my wife who, tired of being the family leadfoot, insisted I learn how to drive or have something akin to invasive surgery without anesthetic. My response, after acknowledging it’d be a lot easier for her if I relieved her of driving duties and took to the anarchic streets of Manila instead, was to mope around every day for the next few months hoping she’d have amnesia and forget the idea altogether.

She didn’t. Not after she endured a pregnancy that had her driving herself to her OB-GYN on a regular basis, halfway across treacherous and heat-drenched Manila, even as she entered her eight month of conception and battled contractions with every step on the gas.

So I finally learned how to drive.

Or, to be more precise, I learned how to dodge maniac drivers, avoid lunging jaywalkers, evade corrupt traffic enforcers, and prevent myself from slashing my wrists every time I got mired in traffic, which is pretty much run of the mill here in the Philippines and far more common that I care to admit.

Anyway, to celebrate my newfound ability after 32 years of being a non-driver I’m eager to get my own car (instead of borrowing the mom-in-law’s wheels every time we go to church or do the groceries).

I can’t help but think of 2 Timothy 4:7-8. We run the race to win the prize, right? We sprint with all our might, darting our spiritual course, hurdling obstacles, shirking opposition. We twist, we turn, we ache, we burn, we live out our salvation in Jesus. And the reward? A crown of righteousness and eternal company with the good Lord Himself.

Nothing could be better than to endure the race of faith, make it across the finish line, and collapse in the arms of the Savior who embraces us with joy and pride.

The car I’m aiming for, it’s not a brand new, top of the line, gas-guzzling, wallet-busting vehicle with 20 cup holders and a television screen in the back of each seat. It’s a simple deal with good air-conditioning, a reliable engine, and comfortable seating for a family of four. Lord-willing it’ll be easy on the budget and will last a good many years.

But what I’m really excited about is being able to avoid the daily mixture of tropical heat and intense urban pollution that so plagues my city. I’m also excited to give a lift to my friends every now and again and not be the one always in need of a ride.

I endured my training (which, in the Philippines, means braving the mean streets until you’ve mastered the skill and haven’t killed anyone, yourself included, in the process) and now I eagerly await my prize.

The race of faith is a lot more complex than having extended driving lessons and is fraught with greater challenges and temptations. Heaven will be much, much sweeter than buying a second hand car (Psalm 16:11).

But life has its teaching moments and today, as I ponder a possible car purchase, I’m reminded just how lovely heaven will be for those who endure in Christ to the end.