Favorite Childhood Memory
What comes to mind?
I can’t say that as a young Mom, I spent much time intentionally focused on planning activities that I thought would be extra-special memory makers for my kids. We took the occasional trips to the beach or camped out at state parks. There were also two trips to Disney World plus birthday and holiday celebrations.
Which of these experiences would be my kids’ favorites as they grew up and started families of their own? To my surprise, none of them got the designation of “favorite!” They were enjoyable and a lot of fun. We made a lot of family memories, but in conversations with my adult kids, some of their favorite memories involved raking leaves and baking cookies. Seriously? More than trips and celebrations?
Our yard had several beautiful large trees that provided great shade in the summer...and constant leaf raking in the fall. We would start in September and rake every weekend until December. As an adult, I can’t say it was one of my favorites things to do! Each of us had a job in the process-raking, loading the truck and, of course, jumping in piles of leaves along the way. I think the favorite part for the kids was the time we spent together, working and playing for hours.
Cookie baking became a favorite pastime when the kids went to their Grandma’s house. We baked sugar cookies and decorated them with buttercream icing and sprinkles for almost any occasion. Now, as a Meme to four grandchildren, my kids want their kids to bake cookies at my house. It’s an all-day adventure, and the whole family gets involved. Flour and sugar are everywhere! Again, I think it may not just be the sweet treats, but the time spent together that makes this a favorite.
Maybe that’s what I’m learning along the way. It may not be the activity as much as the time spent together. Special trips and celebrations can be so much fun, but the special memory-makers are in the time together as a family, whatever that looks like for each of us. Your time together may look a little different right now. The day may be split between family, school and work. “Together” may look different, too, as we stay connected in the same house or with phones, FaceTime and other virtual options.
As I study Mark with my life group, I’m reminded that spending time with God and each other is vital. In Mark 4, Jesus calms the storm. As I spend time with Him reflecting on His power and compassion as demonstrated in these verses, I find confidence in His presence. Our life group will meet virtually in the coming weeks, as we spend time together unpacking these verses. Time and together – there are ways we can do this – with God and with each other.
In this anything but normal time we’re currently experiencing, do you have a special memory you want to share? Go to our Cool Spring Facebook page and post it.
- Brenda Kidd
