Family Time

I love to hear how our son-in-law Keith takes his wife, Deb, and their daughters hiking through various wooded and mountainous areas.  I love to hear how they explore nature and how he instills interest and wonder in his children about that salamander they found; that special spider and web; the Praying Mantis; the turtle and black snake; that special flower or plant; the hawk, deer, the lichen on rocks, and many woodland creatures.

Keith works many long, stressful hours; Deb, our daughter, works part time.  Between music lessons, track meets, soccer practice, gymnastics and school band concerts, their lives are full.  In spite of that, they make time for family activities.

I love to hear how our son Darren and his wife Melanie have family night every Friday night.  How awesome is that?  Last night they went to watch "Happy "Feet".  Sometimes they watch a movie at home, or play games.  They bought a trampoline for their back yard and bikes to provide physical exercise.  Darren and his family do some hiking, too. 

Darren works many long hours, half of them night shift, so he sometimes misses seeing his children before they go to school.  I love to hear how he goes with less sleep in the morning in order to be at their schools to eat lunch with them.  He sacrifices for his family.

Every family has their own set of circumstances and challenges to overcome in carving out family time.  Remember the saying, "Where there's a will, there's a way"?  If you wish to improve your family time, ask God to help you make the necessary changes.  Your most important investment is in the lives of your family members.

         Family Time

Making time, taking time,
Busy dads and  moms
Reap rewards in children's eyes
For many years to come!

              Elaine Beachy
             November 19, 2011

Copyright © 2011 Elaine Beachy