A few weeks ago, I flew with our 15 year old son out of Dallas/Fort Worth airport early on a Thursday morning. He was attending a sports camp about an hour north of New Orleans for a few days. I felt he would enjoy company as he ventured to a place he’s never traveled alone. It would also be a great opportunity to spend quality time with him, alone, in the absence of his 3 siblings.

I realized a few weeks earlier (why not sooner, I have no idea…either denial, ignorance or distraction from our reality) that life’s responsibilities were weighing heavily on me and our family. The obvious pressure had mounted through the plethora of activities in which our 4 children participate. Pair these activities with 2 full-time working parents, the creation of our 91 pad site RV park, the post-covid resurrection of our retreat center, new staff members, board meetings and other obligations…Life felt like a lot.

I wanted to spend some time with Joe and outside the distraction of his younger siblings, our businesses, and a multitude of other things. The day was quite simple. Airplane to rental car. Rental car to camp.

What I assumed to be a relatively uneventful trip turned out to be spectacular and wonderfully intentional time spent. It was moments of just us. Visiting, discovering, & listening to his dreams, thoughts and passions. Laughing about shows we’ve watched and want to watch and sharing about books I think he would enjoy. And lots and lots of people watching, wondering & discussing.

Having dropped him off, safely, at camp, I wrote in a journal on my same-day flight back to Dallas that evening.

“We really didn’t go, see or do anything spectacular, awe-worthy or remarkable. We didn’t ride roller coasters, eat at a fancy restaurant or buy tickets to an event. We just spent time together. In our own presence. I feel like I know him better. We’re closer than we were before. That makes me happy. The simplicity of it all is unique. We spent time in a car…eating a taco…riding a plane. Just visiting some. Being quiet. Watching others. 

My mind feels free. It’s light, flowing. Words come to me. I’m clear and focused. Not tired. Lightly energized even after a day of travel to unknown places. I’ve been disconnected to my reality for a bit to engage with Joe on a deeper level. It has felt beautifully relaxing.” 

What I realize now more than ever is the importance of escaping our “normal reality.” It is vital to a healthy, productive quality of life. It doesn’t have to be on a plane trip to New Orleans, Las Vegas, New York or Europe. It doesn’t have to take days or weeks, but sometimes only a few hours. It just has to be an escape, something different.

I also believe “intentional moments” are always best created away from loud music, noises and bright lights. And limit the entertainment factor, as it can prevent us from being present in that moment and with that person. 

I also realized on my way home that the enjoyable, fun, connected experience I had had that day with Joe is the same experience I want to create for others at Lone Oak and beyond. Nature, quiet, peaceful, safe, calm and connected…this is our game. And I’m ecstatic we get to share it with others.

“Freedom lies in being bold.”  - Robert Frost

Remain encouraged,

Brian

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