Big Rocks

As we were getting ready to leave Kansas this past Christmas my dear sweet sister-in-law handed us a gift. It was a large glass container w/ a plant in it and several rocks. She and my brother wanted to encourage Jason and I to determine what our "big rocks" were going to be for 2012 and put those in first and let all the little ones come in after it.

I remembered reading that kind of idea and actually heard Andy speak on it once at our church. Still such a good hands on kind of exercise for our family to set in place those things that will take priority for our family in 2012. We did the exercise and wrote the words in sharpie on the rocks and they are a visual reminder of what we said is important for 2012.

I asked our kids some of their ideas for what they thought was most important for the next year. They said some great things...like dates w/ mom and dad. I love that. That idea turned into the big rock of "intentional one on one time with each child".

They said going to the beach. For us that turned into the big rock of "family of 5 vacation time". We may not be able to go to a specific place, but we can be specific in our time together.

We have some other financial, marriage, and health kinds of rocks too. But the one that seems to stick out in my head is this one thing of "protecting our nucleus of 5".

I am kind of coming to terms with the fact that I will be 37 this March. I am my own adult. We have a mortgage. We, ourselves have 3 children. We alone are a family. As our children get older I am realizing the need to protect our family. Meaning...there will be times when we have to say no to friends and other family members because it isn't what is best for our family. I had this conversation with my mom when they were here a couple of weeks ago. She received it so well and agrees with how Jason and I are processing the thought that we are a family first, and then siblings and parents come in to play. Mom and I discussed that that might mean I don't drive to Kansas AS often as before b/c it just might be too difficult. It might mean holidays look different...I love how mom received that. We might never wake up in Kansas on Christmas any more...we may choose to make sure our kids have Christmas in their own home and then travel. Mom said that's great. Most families do that.

So...I guess this is to say that Jason and I are growing up. Prioritizing our family first...then letting the rest of the rocks settle into place. I just want to encourage you reader to protect your little nucleus also. To figure out what works for your clan and then let the rest fall. What are your big rocks?