From the mouths of babes

Isn't it amazing that sometimes all of the conviction you need in the world comes in the form of a simple question out of the mouth of a four year old? Sometimes I wonder if the Holy Spirit really is necessary when there are small children around (I know he is, by the way). When we were driving to church this Sunday, in somewhat of a hurry I might add, I was grabbing my sunglasses, handing something to Luke and adjusting my seatbelt when Ava pipes up from the back,

"Mom, it's pretty cool that when you need two hands to do something, the van can drive itself!"

I had to laugh, and then humbly apologize to my four year old about being a bad example while driving. And then I drove the rest of the way to church feeling like the world's worst parent, while firmly gripping the wheel in the correct position as demonstrated in drivers ed, checking my mirrors every 4 seconds, and coming to a FULLY complete stop at every stop sign. It took me back to another incident in another van several years ago and another little girl asking a question about my driving. Basically, I must be a terrible driver, if even four year olds can point out things I am doing wrong. Maddie, this one is for you...

Over 7 years ago, while Andy and I lived in Chicago, my middle sister Barb was expecting her first child and lived in Lincoln, NE. My oldest sister Lauri lived in a northern suburb of Chicago with her 4 kids, at the time ages 5, 4, 3 and 5 mos. Lauri and I plotted for weeks about going to see our new niece or nephew upon their arrival. The big day arrived, Lauri called me that morning, and I said "Let's go for it!" Lauri packed up her kids, picked me up and we embarked on our 8 hour journey with 4 kids 5 and under. The kids really did great, until about hour 6. Things started to take a turn for the worse. Hannah (3) had a tummy ache and proceeded to have diarreha. Isaiah was sick of the car seat. Nick and Maddie were also tired. Lauri is sitting in back trying to comfort everyone, I am driving furiously down I80, thinking I had never been so happy to see the Welcome to Nebraska sign. And then I hear this conversation.

Maddie (shrilly): "It feels like we are going really fast! Mom, is Aunt Sara going really fast?"
Lauri: "Aunt Sara is just trying to get there so we can see your new cousin Jake!"
Maddie (shrill to the point of ear piercing): "But isn't speeding against the law?"
Lauri (laughing): "You'll have to ask Aunt Sara that question!"

If you knew Maddie at age 4, you would understand what I mean by shrill. Her voice could almost shatter glass. Talk about conviction. Thanks Maddie! And now I have Ava. Maybe there is hope for my driving after all.