Our family started tent camping several years ago when our youngest kids were around two and three. We were able to go out once or twice a year. We always went with a group and had a great time. We felt like it was a good rule to go out as a group—safety in numbers, as they say. We loved our trips but we really wanted to be able to go out more than a few times a year. We also felt that if we are going out alone, as a family, it might be safer in a camper. When the opportunity came up to buy a used one from a friend from church, we jumped on it!

We had moments of questioning our decision to spend the money. We had been saving to do some repairs around our home. Ultimately, we felt that making memories with our kids while they are young was more important than doing the cosmetic things we were planning to do to the house. We decided to look at this as an investment in our family.

My husband works from home, and I stay home and homeschool the kids. So, we are all together most of the time. So why do we need to go camping when we are together all of the time? For us, it’s all about being together and making memories in God’s creation. When we go camping, we are forced to slow down, come out of our daily routines and work together in a tight space which helps us develop our patience and grace with one another.

We are making memories and working at showing our children how the simple things in life really do bring you joy. We take time to talk about God. We take time to talk to God. When we go for hikes and nature walks, we can pause to talk about the beauty around us and our loving Creator. We sing hymns around the fire. We disconnect from the noise and distractions that are in this world and enjoy the peace. 

You can experience these tranquil moments without camping if that is not your idea of a fun time. Take time to visit a park and go for a walk or a hike. Take time to do some bird watching. If you have a yard, put together a picnic and eat outside  with your family. Discuss the creation that is all around you and our wonderful Creator. When we immerse ourselves in the things the He has created for us to enjoy, we can be reminded of scriptures like Romans 11:36, which says, “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” And in Ecclesiastes 3:11, it says “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.”

This world is full of distractions. There are so many things that pull us away from God and our families. Many kids that are in public schools are away from their parents all day. Many homes have parents both working outside of the home. Because of this, Satan has more and more opportunities to get to our children and destroy our families because our bonds are weakened and our relationships are not nurtured. We are away from each other more than we are together. As time on this earth gets darker and full of evil, we can’t afford to let our family relationships slip away. Now, more than ever, we need to strengthen our bonds with one another. Instead of spending money on your family, spend quality time together while you can. Make lasting memories with your family. Show your children an example of godly love through the love in your own family. If you think you don’t have time to slow down, make time. Rearrange your schedules, make sacrifices, do what needs to be done to allow you to spend quality time together. It’s never a waste of time, it’s an investment in your family.