Taking Advantage of Fleeting Family Time

I am a planner. I know what our family is having for supper for the next seven days, what I am buying for Christmas gifts, where we are going on vacation the first week of June and what laundry I will do each day of the week. But last night, I shucked all of my planning out the window to take advantage of precious family time that’s becoming more and more of a rarity.

My husband and I have three children. The two oldest are in high school and both currently have jobs that keep them busy on the weekends. Our youngest is in middle school and has sports practices and games throughout the week and weekend.

Last night, everyone was home, and no one had to work, go to practice, do homework or meet up with friends. As I looked at the schedule over the next few weeks (because I am a planner), I realized that the likelihood of this happening again any time soon was extremely small.

Be Flexible When Opportunities Arise

As I looked at the chicken that had been thawing in the fridge all day in preparation for the supper I had planned on fixing, I realized capitalizing on this family time trumped my plans. So I left the chicken in the fridge and we piled in the car to go out to eat.

Although it may sound simple, eating out is a great opportunity for our family to spend time together. No phones are allowed on the table—a “must” if you really want to interact with each other. And because we are at a restaurant, nothing has to be fixed or cleaned up, and everyone is relaxed and stays at the table longer.

At dinner last night, our food order was significantly delayed. Thankfully, we didn’t have other plans, so this extra time was icing on the cake—along with the complimentary chips and salsa the restaurant provided because our meals were taking so long.

With our oldest leaving for college in a year and a half and the second one only a year behind, our time together under one roof is limited. As each child becomes more and more independent with jobs, activities, schoolwork and social plans, carving out time to do things as a family has to be somewhat intentional, and I’ve learned that sometimes it has to take precedence over other plans.

Cherish Time with Those You Love

Whether it’s a chance to watch a movie together, play a board game, decorate Christmas cookies, set up the Christmas tree or watch funny videos on YouTube, times like these can be moments to cherish and remember. Leave the chicken in the fridge, and enjoy spending time with those you love!