Relaxed in my usual upright position, hands clenching the wheel and the soft melody of uplifting music plays. As I glance in the rear view mirror at my three babes safely fastened in their seats, singing along. I can’t help but smile and appreciate these moments in,

our happy place.

Last week, we loaded up in the car for a pick-up, one first times we have been in our car since quarantine. My oldest son said, “Man it’s been forever since we’ve been in this car!”

I couldn’t help but smirk and say “Yes it has buddy!”

You see, before everything caused us to slow down my kids and I were always on the move! Between school, activities for the kids and myself, play dates, church and visiting family, we spent a significant amount of time in the car!

And I will tell you – we love it!

Yes yes, we still experience that dreadfully repeated question every parent cringes when hearing,

Are we there yet?

But we manage! And not just manage, the car has always been almost a sanctuary for us! When I only had my son we would plan car trips around nap-time to kill two birds with 1 stone. Then it became almost a quiet time for myself as he slept. I would use this time to pray or listen to worship music.

As time went on and my children multiplied it became more challenging but we got into a groove where we had a pep talk, snacks and activities packed and ready. Then we pray together (whether going 2 miles or 200) that sets the tone of our trip!

On some of our most frustrating days, the best way to restart is a nice, chill car ride with my gang. During that time, we find a peace and even a purpose of where we need to be going that day!

I am thankful for this outlet where ‘escaping’ isn’t running away from troubles or frustrations, but actually pushing through them! Refocusing and making that effort, with my family, to live in peace and be holy is truly our happy place!

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”

– Hebrews 12:14

*CHALLENGE: Establish your happy place! Find a place where you can refocus. Where you are able to make every effort to live in peace with everyone and strive to be holy! This may be a place of solitude for yourself, or for you and your family.

Lord, thank You for moments of peace. A way to reflect on the important things You’ve given us and to strive to be holy! Thank you for the unity of family, friends and allowing us to have that fellowship and time to grow closer with one another and ultimately with You! I pray and ask for overwhelming peace today and a desire to be holy! Because as Your Word says, without holiness we can’t see You! Help us to see You! To embrace where You have us today! In Your Name, Amen.