I love, “The Waltons”, “Little House on the Prairie” and books by, “Charlotte Mason.”
Why am I so drawn to these types of books, shows, etc…?
I think it has something to do with the common thread I see in each of finding joy and contentment in the ordinary. It’s the idea that there is no ordinary life, that all life is sacred and worth living, and that fulfillment comes through a simple and humble faith and day-to-day family living.
Today’s world can be so fast-paced…so “things” oriented… luxuries, money, prestige…the hustle and bustle to acquire…
Unfortunately, if we are not careful, we may not only fall into a superficial lifestyle, but worse yet, pass it on to our children.
From time to time, it is good to pause and ask, “What sorts of memories are we building?”
Years ago, my son, age 13 at the time, came rushing to me on a summer day, beaming with joy, as he led me to the barn to show me how he had gained the trust of a frog and was able to feed this creature from his own hand! He had painstakingly sat, observed, and approached this little guy for days and days until he was able to feed him earwigs from a small twig held between his forefinger and thumb!
It was an amazing sight to behold! When I tried it, that little critter hopped off as fast as can be!
These are the memories I want for my children so that one day, years from now, that same boy might be a dad who sits his own small son upon his knee and says, “Have I ever told you about the summer when I trained a frog to eat out of my hand?”
I want my children to cherish times of sitting on the porch listening to crickets in the evening, of playing tag and jumping in leaves, of picnics in the woods, and contests of rock-skipping in the creek or nearby lake. Mud pies, fairy houses, forts, bike races, campfires, card games, cooking and reading together, singing and praying together…these are the kinds of memories we are building.
Every family is different. The Lord calls each to a unique and special life all their own.
One family’s memories might not be for another, but the point remains:
Build memories that your children can cherish!
Take the time to let your children “be”, to learn a skill, tell each other jokes, or enjoy an evening of hide-and-seek in the yard.
If all we create are memories of video games, Ipods, television, and rushing to and fro to the next meeting, event, service, or practice, then our children may not have much to look back on in the years ahead.
Children are so adaptable and very content by nature. If we give them space and time they will embrace their God-given gifts of imagination, intellect, curiosity, and senses. They will dream, invent, build, perform, wonder, question and discover. As parents, we must allow them the opportunity; and, we must join with them in taking time to build worthwhile memories together.
If life is too fast and too cluttered, these opportunities will slip through our fingers. Pause today and ask yourself, “What sorts of memories are we building?”
Writer Bio
Judy Dudich resides in the beautiful woods of Pennsylvania, where 24 acres of land and a home-office provide the perfect setting for her children’s home-education and her own homesteading and business ventures. Life is full of blessings (and challenges!) for Judy, as a wife, mother of 10 and Grammy to six. She is a published author, whose book, “I Surrender/A Study Guide for Women” continues to encourage and support others in Christian family lifestyles throughout the world. Judy has also previously worked in the online speaking circuit. Her passion for permaculture, re-purposing, foraging and organic gardening fills her days with learning and adventure that she loves to share.
