Day 206: Family

Today I called my dad to wish him a happy 71st birthday. We talked about how fast time is going and the fact that we are going out to eat at Famous Dave's to celebrate tomorrow (gotta love that). We both agreed that life really goes quick and we should remember to take time for family.

In this fast paced world I thought I would send out a reminder to remember to take time for your family. We only have them for a short while and then everyone goes their own ways. For the family with little kids...even though there are those times you want to rip your hair out, there are also those times you never want to forget. Be sure to take time with your kids and spouse because we truly do not know what tomorrow will bring our way.

For me one of the most recent memories I had that deepened my love for my dad was when they were moving into a new place a couple of years ago. Now I am 6'5" 220 pounds but I get that from my dad who in his 40's and 50's was a hard working factory worker who was 6'5" 320 pounds mostly solid with size 16D shoes. HE WAS A BIG MAN!!! My dad could always do things for himself until that day a few years ago when we were moving. Tracy and I were hauling things into the house and there I looked out of the corner of my eye to notice my dad hunched over his car with his head in his hands. I dropped the box I was carrying and went over to a man that was coming to grips with his age and was now crying. I asked him what was wrong and he replied "I just cannot keep up anymore...I can't do what I used to do and I feel useless." This was one of those times where I began to see the roles changing and now I must start taking care of my dad in some ways. It has made our relationship stronger.

It may mean clearing something off the schedule, it may mean going to church as a family and out to dinner afterwards, it may mean more date nights with your spouse. Whatever it takes to make the bond of family strong...let me encourage you to do that today. Don't forget what it was in the past that helped make your bond with your spouse or kids strong. Sometimes God has to remind us and usually it isn't the kind of reminder we enjoy. Family is an interesting thing, someone once said..."Families are like fudge - mostly sweet with a few nuts. ~Author Unknown. You know what though? It is the good times and the nutty times that build the memories that are here today and quickly gone tomorrow!