Create Memories that Last

The great preacher Vance Havner, known for his incisive one-lines, said, “A rut is nothing but a grave with both ends kicked out.”  If you want to get your family laughing, you’ve got to get out of that rut.  Be spontaneous.  Change things up.

Here’s a radical concept: In order for your family to have fun together, they must spend time together.  So get out of your comfort zone and breath life, joy and camaraderie into your family.  I call it “planned spontaneity.”  Beth and I have always tried to have a purpose behind our activities.  We’ve planned conversations and competitions, vacations with a purpose, even the trivia test I’d unveil on the final day of vacation (with a whopping $10 prize to the winner).  We knew that every experience can be both a teaching opportunity and a bonding time for your family.  Whether it’s an annual activity or a spur-of-the-moment surprise, be intentional about it.  Use it as a chance to connect with your family and help them connect with God.

Here are some of the memories that mean most to the Stone family:

- Game nights at our home with neighbors or new friends

-Friday night “family night” when the kids were young

- The entire family camping out on the floor of my office to stay up and watch the opening afternoon and evening of March Madness

- Our annual hide-and-seek game at Church on the evening of Christmas Day

I encourage you to find time this weekend to create memories that will last with your family.  Surprise your kids with a trip to get ice cream after school or donuts early Saturday morning.  Maybe you can pitch a tent in the yard and make s’mores for a spur of the moment campout.  Or announce one day of the week as “family day” and each week a different member of the family picks the outing or game.

Comment below (or Tweet @TheFaithfulFam) with creative ideas your family has done or plans you have for the weekend!

Building Family Ties