After all those years of road trips with little ones – I’ve graduated – to road trips with TEENAGERS. {Pray for me!}
Sometimes, while traveling down the road, I have flashbacks of cheerios in car-seats, ‘Donut Man’ music, solving sibling squabbles, travel games and our family favorite – Adventure’s In Odyssey. Now, our traveling days have evolved. The kids actually take naps in the car! We enjoy news talk-shows,’oldies’ music, conversation continually and silly pictures capturing the moments. Our kids map my course via GPS and keep me abreast of weather changes ahead. Movies play on laptops and bathroom breaks – though less often – always include more food. When I glance in the rear-view mirror I see brothers and sisters who enjoy one another and friendships that may last a lifetime. (we usually have more than JUST our family)
This season is rewarding in so many ways. Looking back, I see fruits of the seeds we planted so many years ago. Although our trips are long and at times I’m the only parent – I can count on a refreshing dose of courtesy, humor, tenderness towards others, love of God, gratitude and the joy of living ~ because that’s who they’ve become. These are the qualities we worked towards when our van was full of little ones and we prayed diligently for as they grew into little people.
In our family, all of us are painfully human and our kids, in their teen years, are still finding their way. They have energy to burn and opinions about, everything. Just ask them. I enjoy their company. I can still remember being their age – it doesn’t seem that long ago. I get them.
As a young mother, when I was so tired I could hardly function, I purposed to not look down on our kids, or consider them an interruption to my life. I think it’s made a difference in their lives and I KNOW it has in mine. They’re growing up and taking their places in this world. As for me? At times I still feel so tired I can hardly function – but I consider it a life well spent.
If you’re headed on a road-trip with your kids this summer, take heart. Your efforts are not in vain. Purpose to sow seeds of kindness regardless of their age. Set your eyes on finishing strong and enjoy the ride.
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galations 6:9
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I like road trips! We just got back from one and we had a great time. I don’t think we heard “are we there yet?”, either.
Yes! It is so encouraging to hear from moms who are a bit farther down the road that all this work and relationship-building will one day pay off! Thank you for sharing…You encouraged me today.