Happy Campers

Some dear friends of ours invited us to join them camping for spring break last week. Honored to be asked and excited about the adventure ahead, we loaded all of our hiking and camping gear into our mini-van and delicately fit sacks of food and sleeping bags around our kiddos like a well-played game of Tetris. Then we were off…

After arriving at our campsite, we set up our tents and quickly built a fire. Just having a change of venue and the assurance that any work back home could wait for a couple days was truly priceless. I knew right away that we were embarking on some special time together with our friends and as a family.

Besides plotting the next meal, there really was no agenda. At some point we knew there would be hiking and fishing but there was no rush to be anywhere – no deadlines, no alarm clocks, no running late to ball practice…no stress at all. And as our little vacation unfolded I was reminded of how imperative it is to work hard to provide such types of occasions.

There is just something about being together when nothing else is vying for our time and attention. Conversation happens with ease, laughter is abundant, and we find ourselves positioned to make memories simply because we are fully present in each moment. And a lot can happen in just a few days…

We'll be recalling all kinds of funny and memorable things that occurred on our trip for years to come. Like when Mati got her first ringer playing horseshoes and the time Chan got marshmallow and mustard all over his face. Oh and the time the trout seemingly mocked Brooks, splashing and playing in front of each cast but never taking his bait. We remember the children telling stories by the campfire, skipping rocks across the creek, and the accomplishment of not only setting up our tent but successfully getting it back into the same bag it came packed in.

So my encouragement is to make every effort to find such special uninterrupted time together because that kind of approach allows ample opportunity for sweet memories to be made. Intentional living not only plays for something far bigger than today and potentially our lifetime, it offers us benefits in the present by being present. And yeah, I'm well aware of the fact that we won't have another break until summer!

While we loved the time we were afforded last week, the challenge for my wife and I will be finding and making the most of our time this week when the routines and demands of school, work, and baseball resume. It will not be easy, but it will be worth our best effort. We are thankful to have been reminded of those daily graces we often overlook. May we all pitch our tents in the midst of His truth, making the most of our days and opportunities, and be...well, happy campers!