For the last several years, we’ve been getting the family together for a vacation in Stowe, Vermont. Being from the south, it is quite a change for us—cooler weather, more mountainous, more color, etc. Although we love our state with its beaches and lakes, Vermont showcases another aspect of God’s creativity and glory. While in Vermont we spend our time hiking the beautiful trails, enjoying Vermont’s delicious cheeses, apples and maple syrup, and just spending quality time together.

The views seen from the top of beautiful Mount Mansfield in Stowe are awe-inspiring and the gondola ride is a treat for the grandkids. But, the point of getting together as a family is just that—the family. It’s a time to encourage our grown kids and catch up on their lives, to spend time with our grandkids, and to talk about important things that we usually don’t have time to talk about. We have breakfast each morning out on the stone terrace overlooking the creek and usually share a devotion and a quick prayer before starting our day.

A highlight of the trip is our nightly family game time. This has been a part of our family culture since the kids were small. You really get to know people when you are in a heated game of cards or Monopoly. Those you thought were mild mannered may turn out to be the most competitive!  I love to come up with my own game each year that kind of tests how well we know each other. It’s so fun to hear what they all say about each other and about their parents. There is nothing better for family bonding than laughing and playing together.

God’s gift of family is amazing. Your family knows you best, sees you at your worst, and loves you anyway. When families become estranged, it is tragic. If this is the case for you, do everything you can to reconcile. Seek family counseling if necessary. Appreciate and love the family that God gave you. Forgive easily, lower your expectations—no one is perfect. Love unconditionally, through thick and thin, without expecting anything in return. And have fun together. Life is too short to hold grudges.

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them…” Psalm 127:3-5 (NKJV)

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with a promise: ‘that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.’ And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:1-4 (NKJV)

“But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them.” Psalm 103:17-18 (NKJV)

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