Two hours on a bridge - A lifetime in their hearts

Wednesday, June 11th, 2014 at 12:30 p.m. I am driving by myself with the two kids (then 2 and 4) across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. (One of the world's longest over-water structures, the Bay Bridge, an incredible 4.3 miles display of mid-century engineering at it's best, serves to connect Maryland's Eastern shore to the rest of the world!) Two hours later we drove off the bridge! This article is the result. :)

When trying to figure out the "why" in the midst of uncomfortable (annoying) circumstances remember this...if nothing else (as a parent) one answer which always fits is so that you can show your kids how God wants (expects and calls) us to act in these situations. Our kids are watching and this is an extremely moldable time in their lives. If we throw a fit, get impatient, constantly complain about things we cannot change and/or become angry when things don't go the way we think they should, so will our children.

Besides, the only thing worse than a whiny child is a whiny adult! :)

Here are some practical tips for navigating those negative situations:

- Pray for those involved. After an hour of sitting at the apex of the bridge with the engine off and watching other drivers standing outside of their vehicles we learned that the backup was due to a terrible accident. Any number of slight variations to our morning could have landed us right in the middle of it instead of a mile behind it. I explained the situation for the kids and we prayed, thanking God that we were protected from the accident and praying for all those who were involved.

- Play the "What Can We be Thankful For?" game! Challenge your kids and yourself by looking at the situation from a different perspective. Ask, "What can we be thankful for?" Mikaela noticed how pretty the passing clouds were that day. I pointed out how neat it was to see the bridge from this angle instead of it whizzing by the window. We had a great view of the bay and got to see lots of boats. We had snacks and an Elmo DVD! Life was actually pretty good! :)

- Use the time to connect. Talk with your kids. Find out how they are feeling. Talk about how feelings are not bad, but God has given us the choice of what we do with them.

- In every situation stop and seize the moment to teach and mold your children. Take them back to the Gospel!

 "And these words which I am commanding you this day shall be [first] in your [own] minds and hearts; [then] 7 You shall whet and sharpen them so as to make them penetrate, and teach and impress them diligently upon the [minds and] hearts of your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when you rise up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7 AMP