Parenting can often feel chaotic, especially on busy mornings. Like many families, mine was no exception. Sundays were particularly hectic, as my mother managed six energetic children while my father prepared for church meetings. Mornings were filled with reminders to wake up, cries over breakfast choices, and the frantic search for shoes that had been misplaced during the week. The atmosphere was far from serene, with my mother frequently raising her voice to maintain order.
Once we finally managed to pile into the family vehicle, whether it was the old Dodge Caravan or the later Chevy Suburban, we were hardly in the right mindset for church. Grumpy and anxious about potential consequences for our behavior, we would hear Mom’s voice rising in frustration about being late until the car door slammed shut. Then, a remarkable transformation would occur.
My mother would take a moment, resting her arms on the steering wheel and closing her eyes. The tension in the car would shift as she began to pray, a practice I found perplexing. How could she switch so quickly from chaos to calm? It felt disingenuous to me, but as I grew older, I began to understand the depth of her faith. She was not just a believer in public; her faith was a constant in her life, and she wanted to instill that in us.
Now, as a mother myself, I find myself turning to prayer more than I ever did in my pre-parenting years. My prayers are often silent and spontaneous, seeking guidance for my children. I turn to a higher power, asking for insight into their needs and potential. In moments of exhaustion, I’ve sought divine assistance, praying during sleepless nights for understanding and patience.
Once my eldest son started preschool, we established a routine of praying in the car before leaving home. The radio gets turned off, and I pray for a positive day ahead. My partner, however, sometimes finds this morning ritual cumbersome, especially when he is less inclined to engage in conversation. Yet, when a child requests a prayer for comfort, it has a way of bringing out the best in us. My children are keen observers and will remind him if he forgets.
I’ve come to appreciate these car prayers, a tradition I never anticipated adopting. They provide a sense of grace and purpose in my parenting journey. Amidst my shortcomings, I hope my children recognize my desire for their well-being and my willingness to seek support from a higher source.
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In summary, reflecting on my childhood experiences with my mother’s ‘car prayers’ has shaped my current parenting style. I’ve embraced this practice to foster a sense of calm and connection within my family, hoping to instill the same faith and values in my children.