Ours is an easily entertained family. Growing up, “Who wants to go for a ride?” was met with ecstatic cheers and jumps for joy.

No speed limits. No seat belts. We stood in the backseat, hanging over the front. Not necessarily wise, but that’s the way it was back in the day.

Sometimes we had a destination, but most often we didn’t. The journey was the destination.

As children do, we quickly learned the songs on the radio; and we’d sing as we drove. “This ole house once knew his children, This ole house once knew his wife, This old house was home and comfort, As they fought the storms of life. This ole house once rang with laughter, This ole house heard many shouts, Now he trembles in the darkness, When the lightning’ walks about. Ain’t a-gonna need this house no longer, Ain’t a-gonna need this house no more, Ain’t got time to fix the shingles, Ain’t got time to fix the floor, Ain’t got time to oil the hinges, Nor to mend the windowpane, Ain’t a-gonna need this house no longer, He’s a-getting’ ready to meet the saints.”

Dad drove fast over any hills in the road, and our little bodies would lift off the seat and come back down with our stomachs following behind shortly. No carnival ride was better than that! We’d beg him to do it again and again.

Of course, we wouldn’t forget to lift our feet off the floor as we crossed a bridge. Everybody knew it would fall in if you didn’t.

Things haven't changed a bit. On my last visit to see Mom and Dad, leaving a restaurant after lunch I said, “What now?” Dad posed the proverbial, “Let’s go for a ride.” Mom plopped into the front seat. Dad semi snoozed in the back. I took the wheel and we went for a ride. Where didn't matter.

Honor, esteem and value as precious, your father and your mother -- this is the first commandment with a promise -- that all may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth. Ephesians 6:2-3