Unlike other years, this year, for the summer, we stayed home when in the past, we’ve traveled up north into the mountains or enjoyed a modest beach vacation. We made this decision for many reasons but, regardless, have made the best of it. As summer vacation nears its end, we asked our kids what they wanted to do to finish off the summer.

We told them to write a few things on a sheet of paper and not concern themselves with how feasible or unfeasible their requests were. At the beginning of summer vacation, they asked if we were traveling somewhere special, going to a theme park or something along those lines. Now with the situation changed, my wife and I wanted to see what they’d bring back.

What happened was that time passed as we awaited how the current pandemic situation would pan out. Every day brought new developments and an ever-changing stream of information until we eventually ran out of time. Still trying to salvage something, we asked them this question.

Surprisingly, all three boys came back with similar requests. They requested things like firepit time, bow shooting, outdoor skatepark, DIY projects, bike rides, and other related activities—the one common thing among all their requests, quality time together as a family.

Their petition warms my heart because I know making memories with them will endure over time. Investing undivided attention and time into each other’s lives is something they and us will cherish long beyond eating the last marshmallow or DIY project comes apart.

Today is the day to start investing in the relationships you want tomorrow.

Daily Directive:

Answer and Journal the Following

Read:

Read and meditate on Psalm 127:1-5. 

Pray:

What are you doing today to invest into the relationships you want tomorrow? Be real; be honest.

Meditate / Make It Real:

Pray and ask God to help you make time to invest in others first, starting with your family. Be specific.

Share / Show:

Share this with a fellow brother and have them hold you accountable.