In the Driver's Seat

So, I made a beautiful discovery. It isn’t the most earth friendly thing, but I feel like the personal pay-off for my sanity is worth the carbon footprint. If I keep my children up with activities and fun, and then subsequently drive around at 2 p.m. in the afternoon for around 10 minutes, they will fall asleep for two hours. Yes, two solid hours. Since the weather is nice, I can park and roll down a window and crack open a good book. I just get to take a break from the day and read. As of late I have read about the orphan crisis in Ethiopia, raising African American children with healthy self-images, potty training in a day, and Jesus of Suburbia. I have so enjoyed the reading and thinking that has resulted from this little pocket of time. Today I was contemplating the extravagant grace and inclusivity of Jesus and the radical life he calls us to, while parked in front of someone’s house a street away from my own. It sounds strange, but it is really nice. And, though I adore my children all of the time, I find that I enjoy them even more after a good rest for all of us. Furthermore, I am rejuvenated just in time for the impromptu toddler dance party to the Cars soundtrack which I will be participating in later that afternoon.