Taking the next step can be difficult. We tend to get into a rut so easily, and we miss the opportunity. Taking The Next Step is a weekly reminder to take action. Be deliberate about your manhood, and you relationships with your wife and kids. What do you need to do to become more of the man, the husband, the father that you were created to be?
Here is this week’s edition of Take The Next Step!
Take The Next Step!
Wednesday was the official first day of summer. And now that summer is here, what do you have planned for your family? If you don’t have a plan, I would encourage you to grab a pen and paper and jot down a few ideas. If you approach these next few weeks with some ideas, you’ll be much more likely to follow through.
One of my ideas for this summer is family evenings in the back yard. I built a fire pit with a few extra landscape stones, and we have a pretty good sized brush pile handy. Bonfires with hotdogs and roasted marshmallows are going to be a staple for the kids this summer.
Another simple idea is to grab a frisbee and toss it around. I played with several of my kids a few evenings ago, just tossing it around, until it turned into a game of Monkey in the Middle. It was relaxing and fun, and my kids loved it!
Another simple thing you can do is go fishing. There are plenty of lakes and rivers around, especially in more rural areas, but I know a lot of cities have places to go as well. If you don’t have a place to fish, go to an aquarium or a zoo and look at the fish. Or go to a pet store and check out the fish there. You don’t have to buy any, just enjoy the variety.
If you are more ambitious, take the family camping. State parks are cheaper to use than most places, and you may be able to find someone who has an area you could use for free.
The point is this: Get out there with your family and enjoy the summer! Make a plan. And then follow through.
Do it, men!
From Around The Web
Missouri State Parks – Here is the website for Missouri State Parks. There are a lot of great places to go in this state, and I know this is the same in your state and around the world.
Kid’s Day – Todd Wilson, of Familyman Ministries, has designated the first day of summer as Kids’ Day. What did you to to celebrate it? If you missed it, mark it down on your calendar for next year!
Geocaching – Have you ever been geocaching? If not, download the app, and go hunt for a few with your family. This is one of my favorite ways to get outdoors, urban or rural!
Summer Fire Pits – My firepit was lest than twenty bucks. But if you want to spend a bit more cash, you could have the coolest firepit in town. Check these out!
Parting Quote
I’m gonna raise a fuss, I’m gonna raise a holler, About a workin’ all summer just to try to earn a dollar. Every time I call my baby, and ask to get a date, My boss says, “No dice son, you gotta work late.” Sometimes I wonder what I’m a gonna do, But there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues. – Eddie Cochran
Be Deliberate, Men!