Summer is in full force, and it’s not too late to think about creating memories with your family. When I asked my kids about their favorite family vacations, my son said it was sitting around the campfire. That’s it. The reason we camped was because it was cheap not to create memories. Consider this when planning your summer: creating memories may not resemble what you imagined.
Be flexible with your plans. On one vacation, the air conditioning stopped working in our paneled station wagon. It happened to be a Fourth of July weekend, and finding a mechanic for the ride back from Florida to Texas was impossible. We traveled through the sweltering southern states with open windows and our toddlers in their car seats with diapers only. We lingered in the air-conditioned Cracker Barrel until we overstayed our welcome. We look back on it and laugh. When you think a vacation will be the best ever, it will disappoint someone. Children get sick, someone forgets their retainer, it’s pouring outside, or the air conditioner fails. All these incidents are out of your control, so let it go and find the positive in the delay or setback. Sometimes, the less-than-perfect vacations create the funniest memories.
Be present with your family. One summer trip to the beach allowed us to spend time building sand castles, trying out skim boards, and talking face-to-face. Set an example for your kids and put the phone away (except to capture those once-in-a-lifetime photos). Try to spend one-on-one time with each child. Look into their eyes and listen—not to their words only but to their heart. Sometimes, downtime allows a child to relax and share. Ask God for discernment to understand what your child is really saying. Other times have fun. Splash each other. Bury dad in the sand with just his head poking out. Play frisbee on the beach. Your kids need to see you enjoying this time, too, rather than being distracted by tomorrow’s worries.
Be aware of God’s creation. Look for opportunities to marvel at God’s works. One night on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, we brought our flashlights and followed ghost crabs scurrying around the beach. Another night, we watch the moon hang low on the horizon, casting its glow over the ocean water lapping on the shore. On a trip to Yosemite, we looked up and gazed at the abundance of stars twinkling across the night sky. Look up, look down, look all around. The smaller the child, the more likely they will notice things lower to the ground than you will. Show interest when they discover an army of ants, eggs, or other unique creatures.
Family time creates memories—start making yours this summer.
Sally Cressman is the author of “The Dance of Easter.” She writes about faith, family, and home on her website, www.sallycressman.com. Connect with her on Instagram or Facebook.
