Camping and Life Lessons l Learned From My Mom
Some people have a cabin in the woods, others have a cottage on the beach…our family had a trailer on the river. Today it would be considered a “vintage” trailer…back then it was considered slightly tacky but we loved it. It was our home away from home where we spent hot Midwest weekends water skiing, hanging around the campfire with friends and family and learning priceless life lessons along the way. Psst we’re compensated…see our disclosures.
Camping Tip: When your shoes are smoking, back away from the campfire!
I’ll never forget when somebody yelled across the campfire, “Hey, Joey…Do you know your shoes are on fire?!?” I think every outdoorsy family has a story about one of the kids accidentally catching their shoes on fire while sitting on a lawn chair with their feet propped up on a rock. Errrr…or, at least I hope that is normal because it was an ANNUAL occurrence for our clan!
Our trailer was stationary and semi-permanently parked so we didn’t really travel the world with it like other people do in a regular RV. But, we did pack up the coolers and clothes for weekends…just like we do today when we escape the maddening pace of the city and leave the stress in our rear view mirror in exchange for a restful and rejuvenating weekend of camping.
Thanks Mom, I Needed That!
I had no idea at the time, but my Mom was teaching us life lessons throughout our fun-filled river weekends. Her lessons were Biblically-based but she was not preach-y…just teach-y. I thank her from the bottom of my heart for that! Here are a few of the lessons she cleverly taught us:
Try something new and don’t be afraid…Forget about the fact that you almost drank half of the river the last time you tried to get up on the slalom ski. You’re gonna make it this time!
Luke 1:37 Nothing is impossible with God.
Be prepared…No, we are not leaving the house until we have double-checked the list and we have everything packed in the coolers and suitcases!
Matthew 25:3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them.
You can do anything you want to do in life…Of course girls can drive boats without crashing into the dock with 15 knot crosswinds!
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Be kind to others and forgive their faults…Even though your brother won’t return to the dock when it is your turn to use the jet ski!
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
You are loved…And that’s why you get grounded when you do something stupid!
Hebrews 12:6 The Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.
Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!
On this Mother’s Day I want to say to my Mom…“God has blessed our family with you being a mother who models motherhood so beautifully. And, thanks for never letting me give up on anything I have ever attempted to do in my life. It is through your unconditional love and encouragement that I have a solid foundation of faith, strength and love. And, thanks for continuing to love outdoor adventures to this day! I love you, Mom!”
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