What is the Value of Sharing New Experiences as a Family?
Camping in the mountains! A day at the beach! A professional baseball game! Chuck E Cheese! Dairy Queen! Battleship! Monopoly! Go Fish! Do any of these bring to mind any incredible memories for you? Kyle reminds us of the value of making time for these things for our family.
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. (NIV) Prov 22:6
I remember growing up getting to do many of these things with my family, and the memories made still impact me as an adult. Even if the board games got a little too competitive and SOMEONE (you know who that person is in your family) took it a little too far…these times are so valuable!
If any experiences from childhood still provide fond memories, isn’t it worth the time to create the same for our families?!
Let’s look at why these experiences matter and how we can create incredible, lasting memories today!
- Set an example. Our time, effort, and resources all point to where our priorities are, and whether we know it or not, our kids see it. Jesus spoke about this in Matthew 6, chapter 21 saying, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”. So the question to be answered is, what kind of example are you setting by the way you spend your time, effort, and resources? Do stuff, status, or looks win? Or maybe God, family, and others?
- What will last? Let’s look into Luke 2. In this chapter it is said of Mary, twice, that she “treasured up things in her heart.” If we want to make a lasting impact with what matters, that parents and kids alike will treasure use, then we need to look into what will create that impact. Not just the quick temporary thrills, but also the memories created and lessons learned as a family during those thrills. It’s worth making the effort and taking the time to talk through the experiences…asking questions like, “How does this remind you of God’s goodness?” or “What do you think we’ve done today that will make a difference one year from now? Five years from now?” Putting effort into what we can treasure in our hearts will last far beyond the latest iPhone, pair of shoes, or model of car. What new experiences could lead to lasting treasures for your family?
- Reason for Love! Showing our kids it can be exciting and beneficial to jump into new experiences (even when they don’t go as planned or aren’t very exciting) is highly valuable. They do not have to be scared of new! What we tell our children is one thing, but what we show them by our own example is the “Real Deal!” 1 John tells us we love, because He loved us first! If we love our children well and show them love now, they will recall what they have learned and implement it in their own life!
Sharing fun, new, and exciting experiences can be a blast for you and the whole family. It creates not only lasting impressions and memories, but sets an incredible example of love. What plans will you make this week to show your kids what truly matters?
Camper Corner:
What are some of your favorite memories with your family? Why? Do you remember any toys from that same time? Do memories or things last longer?
