On being refreshed ...

We spent three nights last week at the Oregon Coast with dear family friends and we felt so refreshed by our time there.  It has made me realize that I am not being intentional enough about having fun together as a family.  Scott and I talk often about the family culture that we want to create -- one that is intentional and relational and prayerful and honest and loving.  But, I don't ever want to forget that we should be having FUN with our children.  They notice.  I want to remember these days of them smashing sand castles and running in the waves and laughing and playing and just being kids.  And it's fun for all of us!  The adults played games late one night and even though Michelle and I had wanted to go to bed (tired mamas) we both laughed until we cried and I haven't done that in a really long time.  Like way too long.  Life gets busy -- Scott and I have both started new jobs in the last six months and at points it's been downright chaotic balancing careers and schedules and housework and childcare.  And somewhere in that daily grind of life I lost sight of the value of laughing together and making play a priority.  It is a tricky thing to do because there are constant needs to be met -- the to-do list of a parent is NEVER done and the fatigue is always there (less so now than in the first few years, but still always present!) and some days it can feel like you are being pulled in 14 directions.  Breathe deeply.  Prioritize.  Be fully present with each need and then move on.  And create space for fun!  So thankful for these days we had together ...