Many times when discussing how to alleviate stress, the topic of family time and family play time has come up. The middle of the summer seems to have the most opportunity for that; the week of July 4th particularly. In this week’s post I would like to take a break from the regular and share some ideas of what we have done this past week for family fun time.
July 2nd was a Saturday, and being the closest weekend day to the 4th, it was perfect for the local community firework display. We met at a friend’s house, spent some time playing on the beach and in the sand, grilled hotdogs and hamburgers, and got our chairs ready for the firework show. After playing in the sun most of the day, cuddling with the kids on a summer night, and enjoying a cool breeze blowing off the bay made for the perfect display of red, blue, green, yellow and white colors against the dark night sky.
The 4th was a Monday, and family bar-b-qed most of the day. There was a brisket that melted in your mouth, along with smoked chicken. Potato salad, beans, sweet corn, were all great and followed by a moist root beer float cake. After the heat of the day had passed, gloves and bats found their way out of the garage, and the game was on. Most of the family played, so the player’s ages went from three years old, all the way to 40. Sometimes we would take a break to throw pop fly’s and grounders to the kids. During the game, it seemed none of us adults could hold on to the ball. I think we were too distracted by the smile of the kids running as hard as they could towards the base.
Thursday the 7th was also a fun day in the sun. We went to a local waterpark and spent the day on the lazy river, in the wave pool, and going down slides. My advice would be to bring your own lunch, but make sure the PB&J, and everything else for that matter, are in plastic containers, not glass. Stay hydrated. Even though you are in water, the sun can still get to you. Speaking of which, make sure you use and reapply sunscreen regularly. As my wife found out, sometimes it’s better to put it on yourself rather than having your 12 year old niece do it.
While sweet tea was a nice addition, without a doubt, it was the smile and look of wonder and amazement on my three year old’s face when the fireworks went off that made the stress or work fade away. It was being present in the moment of the game, with my thoughts on the moment that allowed me to enjoy it, and the perfect combination between excitement and relaxation the waterpark gave me, that helped burnout float away.
I want to encourage everyone to spend time with their family, and to be present in the moment with them. Also, I want to think you for reading our blog. Please feel free to join in the conversation. If you would like to support us financially, please click the donate now tab. If you would like to nominate a minister for retreat, please contact us. We appreciate all your support and prayers. As always – To God Be The Glory!