Formation of the Family

Oddly enough, both my husband and I came from families that loved the water.  We both grew up spending a lot of our summertime out boating, swimming, water skiing and fishing.  Most of the fond memories of my growing up years involve being around water.  I was thinking about this today because my children and I (DH was off helping out at a retreat) had the wonderful opportunity to enjoy the sunny day on my parent's pontoon boat.  I was thinking about my own children and how much fun we all have spending the day out tooling around the lake enjoying the sunshine and all of God's creation. I think that a good way to build fond memories and to strengthen family bonds is to go out into God's creation and spend some time together.  It could be as simple and inexpensive as taking a walk in a State Park or packing a picnic lunch and finding a nice open space to soak up the rays. Maybe your family has the equipment and the ability to go camping for the weekend.  We've been to some beautiful State Parks in the last year.  They aren't that expensive, either.  We've found that State Parks usually are quieter and have more opportunities for hiking into the "wilderness" than private campgrounds (although I know there are definitely exceptions to that statement!). How about finding a nice beach and doing some swimming together for the day?  Or, if you're lucky enough, spending the day swimming in your own pool - all of you at the same time?  There is something about water that can be very calming. Amusements and sports definitely have their place in the family, but there is a lot to be said for taking the family and finding a picturesque place to spend the day just soaking in all of the beauty that God created.  Watching the animals and looking at the trees makes me stop and marvel at how loving our God really is that He created such beauty for us.  I think if we slow down enough once in awhile, we will begin to...