In a world that gets busier and busier by the day, it is highly important to value the time we have with family.
Families come in all shapes and sizes, with many creaks and cracks and with all sorts of glories.
My family is close-knit. We enjoy spending time together and always try our very best to do so, however, with junior football, senior football and tennis taking up the bulk of most weeks, that time can be minimal. It’s important for us to realise that it’s all valuable time.
I had the opportunity to play a round of golf with my two boys over the holidays. A sensational experience for us all. My middle son, Noah, has not fully developed his golfing attributes, but his sense of humour is quality. After a long round and many duffed shots, Noah loaded up his ball on the 18th tee. A violent swing followed and the ball trickled sideways off the tee box. “Have another go Noah”. He reloaded and with another violent swing, exploded the ball around a metre in front of his tee. “Have another go Noah”. His next reload was followed by another violent swing. His ball catapulted into a tree around 3 metres in front of the tee box and ricocheted 3 metres behind the tee box. After several minutes of group laughter, Noah declared, “Dad, I have hands like a goat”. I need more practice.
The story is just part of a wonderful day. A dad and his boys, laughing and enjoying being together. I rang my wife full of pride and bursting with the stories of the day. It’s all valuable time.
My wife Julie and I are aware we have a young daughter in a house of sporty boys. Ella is a truly wonderful spirit who despite being dragged from football game to football game, manages to laugh and play with constant enthusiasm. A trip to Kmart is a highlight of her week. I truly feel Ella may one day have shares in the franchise. We wander the aisles, mostly looking for nail polish, pencils and books. Her ability to spin the story of “it’s only $2” and “it’s on sale”, is an attribute inherited directly from her mother. While the boys occupy themselves in Rebel, our time together is valuable. It’s Ella’s time to be herself.
Jules and I are never too far apart. We work together, we talk all the time and we fully enjoy each other’s company. I am blessed to have her as my wife, the mother of my children and my best friend. Socialising with friends is always a high priority. Occasions are always valuable time.
This is a small insight into our family time. Yours is different to ours. The message is always the same. Enjoy the valuable time.
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