Today there has been a lot of discussion in our house about camping as our youngest son Isaac is trying to convince everyone that it’s a great idea to do this on a weekend together.
Spending time together is important in relationships It gives us shared interests as well as the opportunity to have fun and laugh together. These experiences help create and strengthen our closeness and increase our bond with that special person/s in our life. Regularly setting aside time for one another is a small way to impact and keep our relationships healthy and strong.
In our discussion today, Isaac especially wants to have a campfire/firepit and cook over an open fire. Our family have grown up experiencing great moments around campfires with all our extended family and friends, so Isaac knows the power of a campfire/firepit and how it can bring people together.
Campfires/ fire pits for us are when we press pause in our schedules, grab a bag of marshmallows, chocolate and crackers, and all sit around the fire toasting and eating marshmallows and making smores as we catch up and reconnect with one another.
It’s when we purposefully make the time to stop and talk, laugh, eat, play the guitars, sing at the top of our voices and share stories while the flames of the fire warm our faces.
God loves these moments where we rest, put aside distractions, and enjoy being alive. There is unity and refreshing in that space, and God is not only present with us but says that He commands a blessing on us when we unite together like that. (Psalm 133:1)
The Bible says, “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” (Matthew 18:20)
He loves to see us happy, rested and enjoying the life He has blessed us with. Perhaps He wonders why we don’t live this way all the time and what is stopping us from gathering more often with no agenda except to stop, chill out and enjoy Him and one another’s company.
Every culture has its campfires; for some, it is a literal campfire, bonfire, hangi, umu, or around-the-backyard BBQ with the pool in the background. For others, it’s candles, fairy lights, and gathering around a dinner table or lounge room.
The point about campfires is to take the time to appreciate and remember what and who is important to you and to enjoy the life you have been given together.
Today whatever your “campfire” or quality time preference is, I encourage you to take the time to get together with the special people in your life or make a plan for where and when you can. It may take some doing to organise everyone, as it does in our house, but it will be worth it. Plus, if you know someone who hasn’t got anyone to “campfire” with and it's not just you and your significant other spending time together, invite them along too.
“Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers and sisters to dwell together in unity…..For there the Lord commanded the blessing – life forevermore.” (Psalm 133:1)
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the simple pleasures of coming together with you and others. Help me lay aside the cares of my day and week and learn to appreciate the importance of regularly creating “campfire” moments in my life. Would you also point out those around me who feel alone and need to be invited to come around the “campfire” too. In Jesus name, Amen.
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