Investing in the future

Hello friends,

I know my blog has been quiet the last couple weeks. I had planned to prewrite some posts so they could "magically appear" but obviously that didn't happen. Preparing for a two-week "epic adventure" (as our family now calls it) takes a lot of work!

Even though the blog was quiet, God wasn't and I'm still processing much of it.

I prayed that this vacation would strengthen our family bond. God answered that prayer. We traveled for 16 days, sharing a single hotel room and logging more than 1,400 miles in a minivan (and 2500 miles on a cruise ship). That meant lots of togetherness! Believe it or not, none of us wanted it to end!!!

Even more incredible, we locked up the phone, computer and ipods on the cruise -- seven solid days without electronic communication. And Yosemite doesn't get cell reception (at least not through AT&T), so we had four more days of quiet solitude. You'd think my teens would go crazy without access to the outside world, but they both agreed it was nice to get away. Parents, when you vacation with your family, take the electronics away -- yours too -- for at least some of the time. Enjoy that rare face time with your kids! It's priceless!!!

Of course, time with the kids is important, but quality time with my husband is a gift that will benefit our family for a lifetime. Investing in our marriage prepares us for the future. I love my husband!!!

Without the demands of work and home, we could really focus on what the kids had to say. Rob listened intently as Ellie shared her day's adventures during dinner. She enjoyed her day with the kids, but she enjoyed our focused attention even more! "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children are a reward from Him." (Psalm 127:3). Take time to enjoy this special blessing.

Nathan and I climbed the rock wall together. There's nothing like meeting your kid where he's at and joining him in his life! Our kids spend so much of their lives following the demands of our hectic adult lives: "I'll join you when I finish the bills," or "Not today, sweetie. I have to work tonight," or (yes, I'm guilty of this), "Can't you see I'm busy?" On vacation we simply enjoyed each other.

We slowed down to watch our son, Ben, do what he loves most to do: explore! He climbed rocks, trees, rock walls, waterfalls, and Hyde Street (in San Francisco) and loved every minute of it. He didn't hear, "Not today, buddy. We have to " He climbed. We celebrated God's creation -- this beautiful world He gave us -- and our adventurous son.

We played. Together. Whenever and wherever we could. God tells us to "forsake not the assembling of yourselves together, as is the habit of some..." (Heb. 10:25). Our family intentionally chose to be together, without phones, internet or computers. We are closer than ever, just as God intended.

For now, laundry, bills and cooking beckon. Real life includes responsibilities... but I think it can include some amazing family time too! How about you? When was the last time you played with your family WITHOUT phone, ipod, or twitter? Why not try it? And let me know how it goes!!!!

Lots of love,

Karen