It’s Time.
I’ve heard a few people say “I’ve got so much to do before Christmas”. And they didn’t really sound like they were too excited for those things to do! Do you feel like that? I do.
The Christmas season has always had a way of pulling me in a bunch of different directions. Gifts, gatherings, parties, traditions, more gifts, expectations, even more gifts….
When I think back to being a kid at Christmas, I do remember some of the cool gifts that I got (or didn’t get – GI Joe Hovercraft, oh how I dreamed of owning you). But that is pretty minimal compared to the memories of what mattered most – good ole quality time with my family.
Like spending actual time with my family. Playing together with toys. Creating games and competitions. Laughing a lot. Fighting and crying sometimes (temporary setbacks). Food. Treats. Time. Quality time.
Where did the Time go?
My wife and I have 2 boys and they are most definitely growing up in a culture that moves so fast and desperately wants their attention. Not to mention their money, their likes, their time. The screens, oh the screens. Hours can pass on a screen. Locked in on that screen. I’m talking about myself even – it’s just me and the screen. Why do we do that?
Christmas is THE TIME to Slow Down
I’d like a change. When I think of the beautiful story of Christmas, it’s kind of like an actual invitation to slow down. If you know the story, think about it: In the midst of so many people, busy shepherds, noisy animals, glorious angels, everyone celebrating, Mary, the mother of Jesus does this:
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). Maybe you’ve never heard of Mary, but she was the earthly mother of Jesus Christ. At this point in the story, she had just given birth to the Saviour of the World! It was a big deal. This was the big moment.
And yet it sounds like she didn’t lose track of the time and miss it. She was present. She cherished the time and her new baby. She slowed down for the moment.
For us, we have been invited to do the same thing. Treasure the moments. It’s built into our calendar every year. For those of us who celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we can be present with our kids. We can try not to get distracted, try not to lose the time.
Life-changing, unforgettable moments happen in the everyday
At Forest Cliff Camp, some of our best memories happen in simple ways:
- Sitting beside a friend during campfire
- Watching the sun set over Lake Huron
- Praying together before lights out
- Laughing at lunch
These are the moments that become stories that our kids carry with them for life. These moments are real. In real time. Unforgettable!
Let’s try the camp approach this Christmas
Camp is a great environment for undivided attention. Kids are seen, known and feel like they belong. The everyday distractions (screeeens) are gone for a few days and we get back to spending time together.
How about trying this over Christmas:
- Unplug a little more
- Sit together a little longer
- Listen a little deeper
- Laugh a little louder
It may sound cheezy but again, if I think back to my best memories as a kid, it was those things! And I don’t think we need a schedule or a plan to make it happen. We just need to be present with our kids. They’ll remember. They’ll feel loved and valued.
And that’s a good time for everyone
From all of us at Forest Cliff Camps – we pray that you and your loved ones have a Christmas filled with peace, presence and moments that last a lifetime!