A couple of summers ago, we gathered for a family reunion. We coordinated all the schedules to meet in Colorado for a week. It was, of course, a bit chaotic trying to wrangle kids of all ages for activities and adventures, but that experience is one of the fondest memories of my adult life. We explored. We got sweaty. We played cards. We pulled pranks. We prayed and sang. We stayed up talking into the night.
We laughed and laughed and laughed.
There’s something so special about gathering with your people somewhere outside of your normal life and routine. When everyone is out of reach of their desk and their grocery list, there’s a sense of calm that makes space for connectedness. Date nights, girls nights and small groups are wonderful. They fan the flames of connectedness, no doubt. But when there’s no cutoff time, no babysitter waiting, and no morning alarm clock to silence, it completely changes the atmosphere.
It’s like a giant bonfire for community building.
It doesn’t matter where you go, or even how long you stay. Simply breaking up the usual routine with the people you want to intentionally invest your life in, makes all the difference in the world. Go to the lake. Go to the nearest fun city. Rent someone else’s house on VRBO. It doesn’t matter how you do it.
Just do it.
I know life is busy and coordinating trips seems impossible. Believe me – I can be heard any given day talking about my disdain for “travel” because Mama is busy and tired. I actually love the experiences, but it’s SO. MUCH. WORK. The memories and connection are always worth it in the end.
It’s always about the journey, not the destination.
While this isn’t an ad for a travel agency, consider it a swift kick in the pants to send a text to your people saying, “Let’s get out of here!” Then make it happen. The deep sense of connection from a shared in-person experience with the people you love, multiplies the effort a hundred fold. Do it. Start today.
I want to hear all about your plans!
to more love,
Crystal
