Family Matters

Hey Camp Family, this is Colby Warren, Camp Travis Men’s Director.

What does quality family time look like with teens? Although this question is fairly subjective, there is Biblical truth pointing toward its importance.

Hebrews 10:24-25.  This is Paul speaking to the body of Christ, but his charge rings true in a household of believing parents. He points toward this idea of meeting together regularly, creating a routine of fellowship purposed in love and encouragement.

This sounds like a great idea, but life with teens is a crazy time. Ballgames, recitals, practices, organizational meetings, homework, events, etc. So often it can be counted as a win when you’re able to go through a drive through with the majority of the family together during the week. So this next part isn’t said with a lack of understanding.

I encourage you to create quality time for your family. In Mark 6:30-32 we read about Jesus carving out time to be with those closest to Him…His disciples. In this particular case He calls them to slow down, to retreat from their normal schedules. He regularly called them away from crowds and the busyness of healing and taking care of their individual tasks to be together for meaningful time. I encourage you to carve out time in a similar manner for your family.

1. Is there a time each week, even if it were just an hour or two, that you could designate as family time? Get it on the family calendar! Maybe it’s a meal, a game night, a walk, or just sitting in the living room together. If so, I encourage you to prioritize that time and toss the distractions away (meaning phones and electronics).
2. I also encourage you to be mindful of the little moments that could be quality time. A lot of those might come from just being in the car together. A way to make those moments count is to have meaningful questions on deck and a willingness to listen and respond with love and encouragement.