Sometimes you just need to be

As we drove to Starbucks on a Sunday afternoon in the little red convertible, we talked, as always. We shared the difficulties of the day and the discouragements that had entered our hearts, the challenges that had come upon us as mothers. And even while we poured out frustrations, we knew. We knew that the Lord would provide, and that we would find the perfect encouragement somehow.

And then, we spent the afternoon sitting in the sunshine, sipping our drinks and eating leftover cupcakes as we talked to dear family members-- women who have "been there, done that", and who have a wisdom that only comes with hindsight and experience. It was perfect.

The time flew by all too quickly, and before we knew it we had to go. Back into the little red convertible, the top down and the sun shining, the temperature warm, the road stretching out before us. Jason Mraz came across the radio and we turned it up as we sang. Yes, we were headed home... but not quite yet. Soon, we would be mothers and wives again... but for now, we were just two girls in a car that was made for a drive on a day that begged to be enjoyed.

So, we drove, out onto the open road between the fields that were just beginning to turn green, the wind whipping our hair into a frenzy. I looked at Jessica and we smiled, content to just be.

It was only an extra 10 minutes that we took on that open road, only a short trip by the odometer. It doesn't matter. In those extra minutes we forgot about sick and tired whiny children, the cares of a household, exhaustion and stress. It was more than a joy-ride on a beautiful day-- it was therapy.

As we wound our way home through neighborhood streets, I found myself wanting to cry. God is so good! His tender mercies to us in all our weakness and sinfulness never ever fail. Just as we knew He would, He provided everything we needed and then some. His gifts of grace to us can take many different forms. Today, it was cupcakes and coffee, the wind in our hair, the sunshine on our faces, the stretch of road before us, the blessing of a beautiful friendship...

Luke, if you're reading this, don't worry... I didn't actually eat a cupcake in your car, I was only pretending for the sake of the picture :)

Not only sisters and friends, but kindred spirits. Love this girl.