We have enjoyed making memories as a family during these beach trips every year since 2007, and I hope we can continue this tradition for years to come. On July 1st (the day before we left), the daily devotion I receive from Family Life was titled "Mental Imprints" and it spoke right to the heart of treasuring these special times. The following is an excerpt from this devotion:
Memories are what make each family unique. They give your marriage and family a mental imprint of shared laughter and reflections.
Memories are best made with loved ones. Sure, memories can be made with coworkers and church friends, but don't let others get all your best times. Your marriage and family is a ready-made unit for the rich production and harvest of memories. Plant your fields wide and deep with them.
Memories take time. Our best memories have usually been born out of extended time together. Don't expect them to be created in three-minute sound bites.
Memories are made of varied adventures. Be creative. Do something different. If you can, travel together--especially on short-term mission trips.
Memories are both planned and unplanned. Memories are made through family traditions, such as summer vacations or an annual family Christmas tree cutting.
Memories should be celebrated. A memory isn't a memory if you don't revisit it and talk about it, look at pictures of it, laugh or cry about it. "Do you remember the time . . ." can be a joyful introduction to a family conversation.
Indeed, the memories we share as a family are what make us unique, and this year as I reflect on our family trips, I will continue to make an extra effort to share with the girls how blessed we are as a family and how thankful we are of God's blessings and the grace and love He shows us daily.
And, part of making memories is the annual slideshow I look forward to creating every year:
Florida 2013
