This summer our family had the most magical vacation, but now we are in the busyness. The magic had nothing to do with the destination, but for seven days we immersed ourselves in each other. For a week, Dad didn’t have to run off to work, and Mom wasn’t overwhelmed with the tasks at home. I hope you’ve enjoyed a similar type time. A year ago, my wife and I had the same type memorable get-away. On both of those trips we dreaded putting the bags in the trunk and heading home. We all resented when regular routine took over our unfettered escape.
In an attempt to relive that special experience, I’ve already booked the same condo for the same week next year. My wife and I are saving to repeat our special trip as well. I paid the rental deposit knowing good well that it wasn’t the location or those particular activities, rather it was our family taking intentional time to focus on one another.
I choose to leave my computer at home, and to take time to look into the eyes of my daughters and make the day about them. I let work go, and savored my family.
Now understandably we all have to live in the world, and it’s hard to balance it all. It’s severely difficult. I can’t afford to travel across the country for a “vacation” every time I get time off work, but I can intentionally make time to enjoy the people I love.
The other day a friend of mine posted online in our daily tasks we either “create or react”.
On vacation — I created. My wife and I spent months planning the perfect activities. Then each day we executed that plan. As I return home to life I quit creating and started reacting.
Now I was creating — new articles, book proposals, sales, important meetings, repairs to the house, but with the people I loved the most I was only reacting. I just bounced through the motions of life.
Summer has ended, and the grind of life has returned. Work, school, school activities, church activities — you are burning up the road — you are reacting.
But you can create. You can. Just as you have planned that perfect vacation, you can create the perfect family night or moment. Just like you planned that incredible anniversary trip, you can create the perfect date or moment with your spouse.
You can create. You have done it. Now do it daily. Create those magical moments. You don’t have to only look back at memorable pictures, but you can create new ones. In the busyness – you can create.
