Jan
20
Written by:
Clark Mitchell
1/20/2010 10:04 AM
Several years ago I was talking to a pastor that I have great respect for in the city of Norman, Joe Grizzle. Joe's kids are grown and I asked him what he did to raise a healthy family in the midst of being surrounded by the pressures of ministry. His answer, "I bought a boat".
Reasoning: Every family needs something they rally around and do that breaks them out of their normal, everyday busyness. Every family needs a place & an activity that becomes a constant thread of the family.
We bought a boat! And, without a doubt it was one of the best decisions I ever made! Every year the kids begin to count down the weekends until the January boat show. We all go, dream, and begin to make plans for the coming summer of lake activity. It is the best family thing we have ever done.
So, you should go buy a boat! Okay, maybe not... but you should choose what you are going to do as a family, consistently, that will create great memories and strengthen the family bond. Maybe it's camping, biking, ice skating, etc. - the point is - DO SOMETHING! Make a plan! Make the investment!
You say, "I can't afford it. I don't have time." My answer - downsize your house then and invest in something fun! Your kids really don't care if you have a cool shower or not, they care if they have parents that will interact with them in something unique and fun!
Don't have time? I guess that means you have watched any television this past week. We all have time, we are just not intentional about it!
The other day, Caleb said, "All I need in a room is a bed. Build me a small bedroom and a big game room, that is where all the fun takes place". We bought a ping pong table this year for Christmas. It is a blast!
So, go buy a boat (be wise financially), a ping pong table, a deck of cards, ... Be intentional about investing in your kids!
PS - The OKC Boat Show is at the fair grounds this weekend!
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