Take a Break and Get Away
The pace families have right now is way too fast. Weeks fly by, there is something all the time with kids, and on top of that, we have responsibilities at work. This adds to the tension, pressures, and stress on us individually and collectively as a family.
This pace seems to be speeding up time and our moments with family are moving too quickly. Have you noticed?
In fact, on average, parents have nineteen years with their kids. That’s right, nineteen years. After year eighteen, the average parents only have one more year in total with their kids. This is based on kids moving away and developing their lives and families. From that, birthdays, holidays, and special events of getting together add up to being one year.
This is not the case for every family, but it is the average. So when you see this stat, it’s sobering how much time we have and how fast it’s going.
This is just one reason why it’s vital to take a break and get away!!
I believe this is a rhythm we need weekly, monthly, and yearly.
Having time to recharge, have fun together, and just slow down, is monumental for our ongoing health. This is how we build bonds with those we love and it’s how we set the pace of our lives.
Yes, we can control the pace of our lives when we have a rhythm that empowers us to Take a break and get away.
Furthermore, Jesus spoke to this and He has the answer for us.
“28. Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
Notice that Jesus gives us rest for our souls. This is what we want and need and it’s through Christ! This is what Jesus can do.
What we can do is schedule a rhythm weekly, monthly, and yearly that helps us take a break and get away. This is being intentional with our schedule.
There’s something powerful about scheduling a break that empowers us to do it! If we don’t schedule it, it won’t happen. We take it from a desire and have it be an action. Actions start by planning it into our routine and making it a part of your life.
Now is the time to take a break and get away. Right now is a great moment to make a memory and grow the bonds you have with family. Our relational impact is eternal! So we must make the most of it.
Here are practical ways to Take a Break and get away.
1st – Have a consistent date with your spouse.
Taking a break and getting away can be at the restaurant down the street from your house or at the park in your city. It’s getting out of the fast pace and enjoying moments together.
I believe this should be weekly if possible. Having this time with your spouse fosters conversation, connection, and staying in touch with them. We need this since our days are long, and years are short.
I encourage you to schedule a weekly date with your spouse and be creative. If money is an issue, if work schedules are an issue or other, be creative and have time together. Think outside of the box and make it happen.
2nd – Have one-on-one time with your children.
Having time with your kids helps give them undivided attention and they need that. Each child is unique and has their own way of connecting you. This is why having one-on-one time is big. It helps you be specific with them in how they receive love.
This is how we build bonds that last a lifetime and as adults, we grow in our relationships with them.
Our kids need us, they want us and they’re reaching for us, so when we respond to them, it’s a big deal.
I personally have this scheduled weekly and everyone knows whose day it is to be with Dad.
Go for it! Great things happen from it.
3rd – Have a consistent time as a family.
I’m big having dinner together without phones. This could be at home or a restaurant, but we’re together. This is a time to talk and bond around food. We should be together when we eat, versus in our rooms watching TV or playing video games.
Families that eat together stay together.
This could also be a game night, movie night, or family hobby like hiking or for us, pickleball.
All of this is great and it’s easy to do when scheduled. Make it a part of your family’s rhythm. It’s what you do!
When this happens, what you want will happen! Unity, talking, and bonding, are memories made.
4th – Take vacations.
Take vacations as a married couple and as a family.
Again, think outside the box and don’t be limited by money, time, opportunity, or other. Getting away can be done and we all need it.
Couples need to be alone together away on a trip. This helps grow their connection and love. Families need to be together away on a trip to help do the same and make memories that last forever.
We need to take a break and get away.
If we don’t do this, we’ll have regret as the moments pass us by.
We have fulfillment in saying “we did”, versus saying “I wish we did.”
Sadly too many people have regrets.
So today, I encourage you to plan a getaway with you and your spouse and then with your family. Live in the moment and make the best of it.
God wants you to have ongoing health in your relationships so that you leave a legacy that impacts generations. Taking a break and getting away is a part of the process of having this.
God has a great plan for you and your best days are ahead.
Enjoy your break and get away!
PD
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