My parents bought a “pre-owned” boat this summer for the kids and grandkids to enjoy. It’s been quite an adventure since day one. We grew up spending time on the Lake of the Ozarks, were my grandmother lived, but none of us has ever owned a boat. Until recently, they’ve been storing it in dry storage. The hilarious (& terrifying) antics of trying to haul and launch a boat for the first time would make you laugh so hard your tummy would hurt.
So to avoid further certain-death situations, they are now renting a slip.
The boys were out of school for teacher conferences yesterday, so we spent the day adding furniture to the dock area and taking our first ride. It was a perfect day to be out. We only saw two other boats the entire day. It was 80 degrees and sunny and the water was like glass.
This is something really special about the wind in your face gliding over a glassy lake.
For me, it brings back so many memories of my childhood. Those memories look different through the lens of a 40-year-old woman. They look like sacrifice of time and energy by my grandparents to make us a priority. They taught us to ski, fish, drive a boat and wash my hair in the lake. 😉 I shot my first gun at that lake. That’s where I learned how to clean a fish and safely burn trash.
All because they invested their time in me.
That’s exactly what my parents are doing with this boat.
In this fast-paced world we live in, time is our most precious asset. It seems like we never have enough. And I’ve spent a lot of years learning to guard my time, to put boundaries around my commitments. But I’m learning, by example, that choosing to give it generously to my family is the best investment I’ll ever make.
There’s nothing worth trading for days like we had yesterday.
Memories like these live on forever. They’ll live on in me, in my boys, and for generations to come. That’s the best succession plan I know for passing on generational “wealth”.
Pass some of your wealth on this week sister.
Make memories with the ones that matter most.
to more love,
Crystal
