Life With The Top Down

I am delusional.  This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone.  I truly believe that each season of the year will be calmer, more routined and less stressful than the seaon before.  During the school year, I tell myself that once summer vacation comes, I will have more free time to... well, I'm not sure what I would do with free time, but I'd like to give it a try on a trial basis.  When summer wraps up and September is just around the corner, I think that once school begins my schedule will be more routined and less stressful.  You get the idea.
My parents are in the midst of moving, which is a code blue, three alarm kind of stress.  In order to get all of their possessions and vehicles from hither to yon, they left my father's convertible at my house on one of their early trips to North Dakota at the beginning of June.  My father left me the keys in case the car needed "to be moved".  Guess what?  It did need to be moved!
I soon found myself driving everywhere with the top down.  Even the smallest errand is an adventure when you put the top down.  People become more friendly, waving at you as you pass by.  It's like being in a perpetual parade.  I have even tried out my princess wave (elbow, elbow, wrist, wrist, touch your crown and blow a kiss).  Add a 120 pound dog the size of a small pony and you get even more waves and a couple of stares.  Lucy loves riding in "shot gun".  The wind is still in her ears but not in her face.  She even smiles as we cruise town.
While traveling in the convertible, I can't talk on the phone as the wind has a rushing sound that makes hearing the caller virtually impossible.  When on the interstate, even the radio has to be pushed to the highest volumes to be heard over the passing cars.  Lots of problems, questions and prayers are sent heavenward while I motor along.  It's been good for my soul.
Driving the convertible at night is amazing.  I like to taake time to look up at the stars.  God promised Abraham that his descendants would be more numerous than the stars in the sky.  One of those stars up there was lit for me.
Almost everyone likes to ride in a convertible.  My youth group kids all want to ride with me when I've got the rag top.  Unfortunately, their music tastes are a bit different from mine.  I have had to endure rides down Main Street with Lady Gaga blaring at an amazing level.  Adults love to take a leisurely tour of the City and see how the gardens are faring. 
My brother once asked me if I take the long way to work when I drive the convertible. My answer: I take the long way everywhere when I drive the convertible!
As I drove home from work one beautiful North Dakota day, it occurred to me that God probably meant for us to live our lives with the top down. We should take the long way whenever possible. Look for the things you pass by everyday and never see. Smile and wave more. Enjoy bright sunny days. Take the simple pleasures that you are given and squeeze every bit of happiness out of them. Wear sunscreen.
My parents are almost finished with their move.  I imagine my father will want his convertible back before Thanksgiving.  It will be a sad day when I have to hand the keys over.  Maybe I can stall until Christmas.