For those of you “Uber-moms” who spend hours in the car commuting children to school, church, church events and recreational activities…this blog is for you. Like many American parents today, we often drive with a sense of guilt (at least we should) because so much time is seemingly “lost” while we are ensuring the safety and future success of our children.
Out of curiosity, what do you do with the time-spent transporting your children? Do you listen to music…Christian, of course…or is your adrenaline flowing because you are running late and the traffic is the present obstacle in your way? How do you respond to other drivers who are in the same predicament you are…hastily rushing to one practice, lesson or pursuit after another? What are your children observing as they read you and your reaction to happenings on the daily journey?
For the last ten days I have had three of my seven grandchildren with their regular daily schedules. I might add that the “blow by blow” itinerary that I taped to the refrigerator door had been lightened for my benefit. Yet, in its current state I spent hours in the car commuting. My hats off to you moms!
We are all longing to make our time count with that “captive audience”, at least we should be. What about that verse that jumped off the page that you read that morning or last night? Did you share it with them with the reason why it jumped off the page? Or after snapping at them in the house with those encouraging words, like…“hurry up, we’re going to be late” or “you don’t have time to eat that, just grab it and let’s go!”…We wonder why we find them bickering with each other in the back seat!
Legacies are that place where those who have gone before still make a difference. Where values are passed on from one generation to the next and where connections create consciences. Our purpose is not all about us; it is about playing our part in God’s kingdom.
When we stop to evaluate our state of mind, we recognize that it goes deeper than shortage of time; it is basically the problem of priorities. We all know what it is to go full speed for long hours, totally involved in the task at hand. There never seems to be an end to the pile of unfinished tasks. But is there a possibility that with all our effort, we have failed to do the important…that, which has eternal value?
If it’s too chaotic in the car to talk, I have a suggestion. Take that verse we mentioned and begin praying it into the life of those sitting in the car with you. Maybe you could silently pray that your children might seek godly wisdom (Prov. 2) and develop a craving for God’s Word (Deut. 6)...or that they would understand that sin has consequences (Num. 32:23). Pray that they would recognize and listen to God’s voice (John 10:27) and not be swayed by temptation (I Cor. 10:13). Ask God to develop a lasting love for their siblings (Psa. 133) that comes with a grateful attitude for everything (Phil. 2:14).
These have eternal value…
See you on the highway…have a great day!
~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America. Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California. My passion is discipling and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights.
