I think the conclusion I've come to (for now) is that God is about true relationship and not about power. So it's not about God bossing me around like a minion -- it's about God nudging me gently in the direction that is the best for me to go.
I think of God as a good parent encouraging his/her children to make decisions that are good for them. And I think of me as the kid in the car going "are you SURE we're on the right way? Why aren't we there yet? I need to pee! Are you sure we didn't miss our exit?" LOL
I've seen the bumper sticker that says "If God's your co-pilot, you're in the wrong seat" but I don't think that's right. I think God wants me to drive, but God wants to give me directions on where I would like to go. Like a really good travel guide who knows what I'm really looking for, even when I don't.