Today I took a road trip to deliver a rescue pup my friends adopted while visiting Michigan on spring vacation. Due to process, she could not go home with them last week, so we met up half way and united this abandoned stray with her new family.
My niece Anne and I set out this morning, picked up Kala (named because she was found as a stray in Kalamazoo) and headed towards Elgin Ill. The woman who was passing the dog off asked me how old my kids are, as I was moving a booster around in my car. I quickly said, oh, I don’t have any kids, but I am blessed with 14 nieces and nephews. My niece Anne quickly told her, really it is like she has 14….
I often believe I have the best situation possible being an aunt (when it comes to “parenting” that is). I enjoy much of the freedom and the fun and then return them all home. Today, I had a greater appreciation for those of you who sit in the passenger seat while your child practices driving.
Anneliese came with me on my road trip today in order to gain some experience and bank some hours of drive time. I threatened to put on headphones and text my friends while she drove, but I really did want to enjoy my time with her. 🙂
It was quite an experience as she drove from Elgin IL, through Chicago and into Michigan. I learned much about deep breathing and not stating every thought that entered my mind. I believe I was pretty relaxed as we worked together to ensure we were in the right lane, navigated Chicago chaos and crossing many lanes of traffic. Anne has a great head on her shoulders and made very good quick decisions as she moved my 2011 Ford Edge over many miles. I admire all you parents even more tonight as I call it a day. And I am so proud of Anne and her driving abilities!
And as Anne slept after we passed through Michigan City, I listened again to my theme song for the year….http://trishborgdorff.com/2012/01/03/my-2012-song/
This song is called Untitled Hymn by Chris Rice. As I listened and sang, I realized that the words really represent my faith journey. I am deeply grateful for Christ’s work on the cross and how because
of Easter, I am given true life (both on earth and eternity) and hope! But I do want to be clear that even in everything this weekend holds in my faith, being a follower of Jesus does not guarantee me a life without struggle. But I do believe deep in my being that because of my faith, I have a context for my hardship, I have much to celebrate, I have a reason to love, I am deeply grateful for grace and I have purpose to live….
It is my hope that you will listen to Untitled Hymn by Chris Rice and hear the invitation to live honestly each day with Jesus!
Because of the Old Rugged Cross,
Happy Easter to you all!
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