Growth Spurts
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.Luke 2:40
Who would have thought that a mother could have so much fun watching her sons skimming stones! The lake was just wide enough for them to ride around in the canoes and rowboats, and to get the feel of freedom on the water. I had some alone-time on the banks, watching and waiting with our dog. I was even privileged enough to have gotten in a chapter of reading. When my family tired of the rowing and paddling, my husband initiated the skim-the-stone challenge.
"Wow, Jon, that was the most skips I've ever seen!" I said excitedly to my teenager. "What's your secret?"
"I don't know," he replied, smiling at Mom's approval, while bending over to pick up more game-pieces.
"It must be all in the wrists," I continued, remembering my husband's instructions to them when they were younger.
"I guess," Jon said, not knowing for sure how he had attained such rapid fire with one stone. But having found the secret, he kept up the momentum.
We were enjoying an extended weekend away as a family. Having accomplished our 180-day state requirement for homeschooling, a mini-vacation seemed appropriate, and even needed. I was thrilled that our two oldest girls had desired to join us. We also allowed our youngest daughter to bring along two friends.
It was tempting to want to take more time for myself. After all, wasn't I just as busy teaching as they were learning? It would have been easy to send them off exploring or playing, while I stayed back and read. But as I looked at the older boys, something came over me. For one, I felt extremely blessed that I had my family, and that, by God's Grace, we were all close. This closeness, I felt, was attributed to: one, our faith in Jesus Christ, and two, homeschooling. Coming in third was definitely family vacations.
My second realization was that my children are growing up! Funny, how I can see them day-to-day and not notice the change. Probably because I am so busy performing the daily, required tasks. But let me get away – away from the required – and my focus changes. It changes to that of the "needed": the need to slow down, to sit, and to see. The house, chores, and schooling are not in my face, beckoning for my attention. My focus can now be totally on my family. And I love the insights it gives!
Vacations are important, whether it be for a day, a weekend, or a week. The mode, method, or length is not as important as the purpose for strengthening family bonds. For our family it is camping, not only because it is affordable for our large brood, but because we also enjoy it. There is nothing like sitting around a blazing campfire, roasting marshmallows, and listening to Dad's stories.
So, take time to get away and really "watch" your kids. Not only will you be amazed at how many times they can skim a stone, but you may notice growth spurts that "creeped" up when you weren't looking.
PRAYER: Lord, my family is such a blessing, and the time I have with them is so short. Help me to take frequent moments to reflect, and to enjoy the days as they happen.