The Blessings of Family Vacations

This topic is important to me because it combines two things I love very much!

Travel & Family. 

Family vacations as a kid were some of my most treasured memories. My grandparents took us to Myrtle Beach, SC and then to Gatlinburg, TN many times. 

I've taken my now 4 year old son to Myrtle Beach, Gatlinburg, the Bahamas, and as of the time this post publishes, we will be in Iceland. 

It's so much fun to explore this beautiful world God created and meet people from outside our little bubble. 

It's also so very easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, fall into the status quo, and begin to neglect the importance of quality time with our loved ones over the years.

That doesn't mean we have to take extravagant, expensive vacations. This could be as simple as a camping trip close to home, or even sleeping in a living room fort as a family.

A vacation with our children is not just a luxury; it is an investment in their well-being and the foundation of a strong family unit. Today, we will explore the significance and benefits of vacationing with our children.

I can say for my own vacation this week, I'm most looking forward to unplugging from normal life expectations, leaving the work at work and the home responsibilities at home, and being completely present with my little one.

Some of the many benefits of vacationing with our children are as follows:

1. Building Stronger Bonds: Family vacations provide an opportunity to strengthen the bonds between parents and children. Away from the distractions of work, school, and technology, we can engage in meaningful conversations, share more laughter, and create lasting memories. By spending quality time together, we have more opportunity to impart valuable life lessons and instill core values that will shape their character. (Romans 12:10 states, "Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.")

2. Creating Cherished Memories: Vacations offer a chance to create cherished memories that will be treasured for a lifetime. Whether it's building sandcastles on the beach, exploring new destinations, or simply enjoying a family meal, these shared experiences foster a sense of belonging and create a strong sense of identity within our children. By investing time and effort into creating these memories, we are nurturing the precious gift of family. (Psalm 127:3 states, "Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.")

3. Encouraging Personal Growth: Traveling with our children exposes them to new cultures, environments, and experiences, fostering personal growth and broadening their horizons. It encourages them to step out of their comfort zones, adapt to new situations, and develop resilience. By exposing our children to diverse perspectives and experiences, we equip them with the tools to navigate an ever-changing world. (Romans 12:2 states, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.") 

4. Strengthening Communication: Vacations provide an ideal setting for open and honest communication. Away from the distractions of daily life, we can engage in meaningful conversations, actively listen to our children's thoughts and concerns, and strengthen our lines of open communication. By fostering healthy communication, we create an environment where our children ultimately feel more safe and valued. (Ephesians 4:29 advises, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.")

In a world that often pulls families in different directions, vacationing with our children is a powerful way to prioritize and nurture our relationships. By building stronger bonds, creating cherished memories, encouraging personal growth, and strengthening communication, we lay the foundation for a resilient and loving family unit.

So tell me, what has been your most memorable family vacation thus far, and why?