Every family needs a sabbatical. Mine has been on somewhat of one for the past two weeks. We’ve come together for no other purpose than to soak in every moment before saying goodbye to our oldest, who is relocating to the other side of the world.
We’ve pushed aside the normal daily routines to make room for cherished memories. And we’ve created space for presence, relaxation and stillness. Because we know life will swallow up time as soon as we open the doors once again.
This family sabbatical started out a bit rough. Emergencies plopped smack in the middle of perfect plans, and difficult dynamics pushed their way to the forefront. We had what we refer to in team building as a “storming period.” All of us converging from different places in life with personal visions of what this time would be for us as a family and individually.
[bctt tweet=”Healthy families are not void of conflict, but they are driven by love.” username=”crystaltwaddell”]
Boundaries had to be spoken and honored, and misunderstandings clarified. Personality differences required validation. We had to remind ourselves of the adjustments needed to ensure everyone felt valued and loved.
The health of a family is not determined by absence of conflict, but by the committment to do whatever is necessary to resolve conflict.
I’m learning a few things along the way. Things I’m tucking into my heart for the next precious time we are all together.
- Make grace a priority
- Trade expectations for the element of surprise
- Value everyone’s opinion with time and attention
- Create conversation that builds intimacy
- Embrace spontaneity
- Play together
- Share memories
- Cherish stillness
- Cultivate spiritual connections
- Savor great meals together
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“A family is but an earlier heaven.” ~George Bernard Shaw
The older our family gets, the more important it will be to implement these elements because time and distance changes us all. Life never leaves us the same. And coming together is an opportunity to build, restore and cultivate.
Because one of our greatest legacies will be that of our family~
What can you do to ensure family time is more meaningful?
Before you leave…
Don’t forget to come back on Friday to join the Fresh Market Friday Link-Up community! This is where we share those things we are passionate and intentional about. You could be the next Featured Fresh Find!
I’m joining the link-up over at Searching for Moments and Coffee for Your Heart