Tuesday @ Ten::Create

Create some memories.

Now that our family has grown up, our seeds off to college, I have made a conscious choice to emphasize memories over the material.

Three years ago, the four of us spent a rare extended vacation at the ocean from Christmas through the New Year.  My husband arranged this extravagant gift for my 50th birthday.

Gulf Coast 2012

We unintentionally created a family tradition.

For our time at the beach we revisited a quiet gulf coast location, mostly frequented in the winter by snowbirds.  Our family originally visited when our seeds were just pre-schoolers.  

These were simple years of adventure and make believe; a time when no one ever got bored of playing in the sand and surf.

And then, for a season, the snowbird beach town became boring.  The sand and the surf were not enough excitement.  We stopped going.

Now, still quiet during the winter season, our more mature family revived the old memories.  We walked the beach and collected shells, rode bikes from one end of town to the other, played games and watched movies.

Gulf Coast 2013

As another year drew close to conclusion, I chose again to reserve a week away.  I was a little surprised with the enthusiasm of our seeds; they were excited to re-create the old traditions while creating new memories.

Imprint these words of mine on your hearts and minds...Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Deuteronomy 11:18-19 hcsb

Sometimes, in parenting, we wonder if anything we are teaching our children is sticking.  Many times, especially through the teen years, I've been thoroughly convinced of my absolute failure as a parent.

Gulf Coast 2014

Yet, the last three years have proven to me the truth of God's word.  It's the daily living and talking and sharing moments which teach the lessons of life.  Traditions are formed in the routine of family life.

The memories created in the past become the traditions maturing children cling to and insist on preserving into the future!

Go ahead...dare to create some memories...

Blessings of GREAT JOY on your amazing adventure journey with Jesus!  

Linking up with Tuesday@Ten.  Thank you, KarenBeth for hosting.