Every Monday night, I drive my daughter to piano lessons. I love my little girl, and I am always excited to spend time with her. We used to listen to podcasts to and from her lesson: This American Life, Radio Lab, Stuff You Missed in History Class. I love how smart and sophisticated she is.

Now, we’re listening through her favorite musicals. Last month I spent enough time driving with her to listen through all of Hamilton, her desert island musical. Tonight, it was the Broadway version of Newsies.

On Saturday, my oldest son and I took a walk in the extreme cold. We tromped together through the woods and the fields next to our house. With the snow and the tall frozen grass crunching under our feet, I listened to him talk about his favorite books and video games. He noted the position of the sun and some landmarks so we wouldn’t get lost. I was impressed.

These are good moments. Beautiful, simple, share-able. But they only shine this brightly because they contrast so strongly with the daily slog of parenting. For example. . .

I had to take away someone’s tablet today. Had to revoke someone else’s video game time. I told someone to stop being a know-it-all, and someone to “look at me when I’m talking to you.”

I have nothing to say about the real tragedies of parenthood, but the daily stuff can wear a person down. Maybe you can relate?

So, here’s to what’s good and perfect and wonderful about family life. I wish you more of it than your heart can hold.