Life is fast these days, isn't it? Internet speeds keep increasing, online orders seem to almost teleport to your door, we watch events unfold on the other side of the world in real-time, speed limits are a suggestion to most, and if you don't respond to a text in 30 seconds, people think you have a problem with them. When you do try to slow down, people don't seem to understand. They act like if you aren't always "hustling" and planning your next big deal, then you aren't succeeding. But what if I told you that isn't the case?
What if I told you that slowing down to take care of yourself and your family is more important than the hustle? That making sure, in this fast-paced world, that you make it a point to slow down, look around, appreciate the small things, and thank God for the blessings He has given you, will do more for you in the long run than making that next deal. Would you be willing to give it a chance and disconnect for a bit? If you are willing to, but are not sure how to, let me suggest doing a little digging in the kitchen junk drawer we all have, and pulling out that old flashlight long forgotten about, thanks to the flashlight on your phone.
Now, you might be asking how a flashlight will help this situation, and that’s a valid question. But to answer it, I’ll need your help. See, what I want you to do is pause here for a moment and think back to when you were a kid. Think about how fun something as simple as a flashlight was then. You probably used it to go on secret adventures throughout the house, chasing monsters or looking for pirate treasure. Maybe you used it as an alien energy weapon or a light saber to have a space battle with friends, or as you got a bit older, you played flashlight tag throughout the neighborhood. Your dad, uncle, grandpa, or somebody else you looked up to may have appointed you to flashlight holder duty as they worked to fix whatever problem was before them. No matter what it was specifically, just pick one of those events that brings back good memories of a simpler time, and ask yourself, have my kids experienced the same?
If the answer is no, then now is the time to change that! Even if the answer is yes, what's it hurt to take some time and do it again? Grab that old flashlight, put down the phone, and round up the kids! Explain what you all are doing, ask them if they have any ideas (kids always want to put their imagination to use), and get after it!
If, in the off chance no one did come up with an idea, then here are 3 that should help get started:
1. Scavenger Hunt: pick 5-10 items, choose a location (whole house, just a few rooms, the backyard, etc.), and hide those items. Turn off the lights or wait till night and then give the kiddos a list and tell them itis time to go on a secret mission. You can do it in a variety of ways, such as just giving them the list and letting them go look freely, you can give hints to locations, or set up clues at each point that help them find the next clue.
2. Go on a bug hunt: This is always a popular event with kids at the bushcraft gatherings. Wait till dark, then take your lights and go on an expedition into the unknown! Turn over rocks, move logs, look through bushes, and see what kind of bugs you might find. Snap some pics, and then you, as a group, can learn what they are and the role they play in your environment. As a note of caution, though, do a little pre-trip research to be aware of any potentially dangerous critters you may encounter in your area.
3. Flashlight tag or hide-and-seek: This is my favorite. It's real simple. Whoever is “it,” or the seeker, uses a flashlight to find and tag people. Play just like normal, but instead of physically tagging them by hand, you have to spot them with your light.
As we come to the end of this blog, I hope some part of it has resonated with you and sparked a desire to take a break and spend time with the kiddos, maybe even give them a new experience. Our faith, family, and friends are the most important aspects of our lives, and we should always be looking for ways to improve those areas, even if it means using something as simple as a flashlight.
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