My late grandmother used to exclaim “princess parking” whenever she found the perfect space. It was said with such youthful exuberance you would never have guessed it came from a super cool 80+-year-old.  I had my own almost “princess parking” moment recently.  Each time this happens, a sweet smile comes on my face in my grandma’s memory.

We were having a perfect weather week in Ireland. Not a drop of rain for our entire vacation. We had our schedule mostly planned, but we intentionally allow unscheduled time in case we find a hidden gem. These sprinkles of spontaneity usually end up being the best parts of our trips. 

Like clockwork, a local told us about a hidden gem midway through our trip. My hubby is a foodie and is pretty dialed into that scene wherever we travel. The manager of a local restaurant took a liking to us. Can you blame him? After all, my husband is pretty irresistible.  The manager shared several of Ireland’s hidden gems with us, including personal stories, and even photos! We were soaking in all the exclusive tidbits from our new travel friend.

This restaurateur knew we were headed to Killarney next, but suggested we skip that ‘tourist trap’ and instead head to Dingle. Since we had rented a car and we had that flexibility, we excitedly added the Dingle stop.

The morning of, I put our new friend’s Dingle lunch recommendation into navigation. Next I typed in parking assuming Google would tell me the closest parking lot to that location.  Voila!! This was meant to be!! My map showed princess parking right next to the restaurant!

I will never forget first entering the Dingle peninsula, there are mountains to our left, with a string of houses, and the ocean to our right. The mountains and ocean are so close to each other, it feels like I could extend my arms and touch both. The ocean color is the most beautiful blue green I have ever seen. I was mesmerized.  I am not sure if there is a more perfect house location in all the world; views of the mountains from the back and ocean from the front. Yes, please!

Soon enough, we were dropped down into the little town of Dingle; just a few blocks from the restaurant and my princess parking spot! We crawled through the tight crowded main street and passed our lunch spot. I started sharing the countdown to the princess parking lot, which was supposed to appear on the left. 

This was a packed street with cars and people EVERYWHERE. It certainly did not seem like a place you would find a parking lot or any parking for that matter. My instincts were right, we soon discovered no such princess parking lot existed.  We kept driving away from the crowd and eventually found an open street parking further away.

Once parked, I discovered my navigational faux pas. I know this is hard to believe mamas, given that I never share technologically challenged situations in my writings… BUT it turns out when you put an address and add the word ‘parking’, Google will add their signature blue parking sign indicator to the map. BUT, that doesn’t mean there is an actual parking lot there.  Why?

Unfortunately I wasn’t able to make a parking lot materialize out of sheer will.

Sadly, mamas, my approach to this princess parking adventure can sometimes mirror my approach prayer. I repeat my ‘princess prayers’, and wait for Jesus to work out the details and deliver.  I put my “P” for princess parking on my prayer list and expect it to materialize. Then I continue on meandering through the life’s parking garage, getting frustrated when my desired and deserved princess spots are all occupied!  

Its times like these that I realize this ‘genie in a bottle’ prayer approach is never how life works. I am setting myself up for failure every time. Princess parking moments of life do exist, but they aren’t as easy as typing PARKING into Google maps. We can’t out-tech Jesus. 

What’s the current princess parking moment of your life mamas?  Keep driving! Know that when your princess parking is non-existent, there is always a reason. The parking garage of life has many available spots. You’ll find yours.