Like most people, listening to the radio in my car was common. I imagine we all have our favorite music or Talk Radio broadcasts playing as we travel. Nowadays, the selection of radio stations seems endless. The digital age has made changing stations so easy. Just a touch of a button instead of turning a dial gives us endless choices of selections.

When I was a new parent I received the advice to turn off the radio when your kids are in the car. You can learn so much by just listening as they talk to each other and to their friends. And some of the most important talks between a mother and her children take place in the privacy of the car. So I took that advice and turned my radio off. All the years of elementary and junior high, my sons and I talked on the way to school.

By the time they were in high school and drove themselves, I had grown used to having my radio off. I was accustom to talking and listening. But now I was by myself. The silence was almost deafening. It felt odd to be alone in the car. Then I remembered I’m never alone. God is with me wherever I am. So I started talking to Him. I prayed everyday for my husband and sons, “Lord, keep them safe from harm, illness and injury. Guide them with any obstacles they face. And most of all, bring laughter into their day.” 

In addition, on my commute to work, I prayed for my coworkers, our patients and the surgeons I worked with. I offered prayers for friends and the intentions they requested I pray for. Soon, I looked forward to my travel time. The privacy of my car may seem like an odd place for devotions but to me that is exactly what it was. My time to pray and listen to God.

It has been over 20 years since I have had the radio on in my car. Even when I got a new vehicle I didn’t turn it on. No need for me to have Sirius XM radio! I much prefer the music in my heart from prayer time with our Lord.

FYI: I still say that same prayer for Bob and our sons every day.

“Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me.”   John 16:32 (NIV)