Family: Invest Moments, Not Just Money!

"My Greatest Treasure: Our Happy Family"

This is no easy subject. I know of people who truly value their family so much, that they work so hard away from home just to give them "the best" of what hard earned money can buy.

Someone once said, "there is so much good that can be done with money, than without money." 

In a sense, I agree to that. 

As a father, I desire my to put quality food on the table in every meal. I desire to keep everyone in the home healthy, or if sickness strikes, I desire to have the needed amount to get them the proper medication. I desire to clothe them well. I desire to keep them warm under a stable house, filled with most of that which would make their living comfortable and safe. I desire to send them to a good school and give them the best education. These and more definitely comes with a price - money.

On the other hand though, the pressure of trying to meet up with such a monetary goal somehow forces one to be "in the work place" most often than being physically present with family members to enjoy all of these together with them. I have heard of many complaints from family members, growing up children at that, who decry the fact that their parents are not with them (either or both) in special occasions in their lives (birthdays, school play, games, graduations, and more...). If ever they are physically home on given occasions, either one is still preoccupied with work (brought home), or is physically exhausted to actually spend quality time with their children. When confronted with this concern, the quickest answer though is, "I am doing all of these for you, can't you see?"

I like this clip from the movie, "The Tree of Life".

This scene here shows us what is really of greater value in the long run.

  

Have we actually settled for less?

Did we trade that which is of greater value for that which is fleeting?

At the end of life's journey, would we look back and still ask "how much have we earned and bought for our family members?" Too often, when a person is almost dying, they don't ask for more hours or days to live so they can go out there and earn some more money. 

Our family members won't wish for the same either. 

Instead, if ever your life is extended, they would want that to be "spent with them". 

The thought of it is very special isn't it? 

However short our remaining days may be, these will still be the very "moments" they will cherish of you, and at best, have it affect their lives onwards.

But hey, why wait until then, when we can start today?

Let's take every opportunity to build memories with our family members - it counts most. 

The power of presence can never be ignored. 

We are multi-sensory beings, and it would be wise to take note of that. 

Educational institutions have seen its potential for affective learning. Why shouldn't we leverage that knowledge to the fullest by engaging in multi-sensory experiences with our family members? 

It is one thing to let them hear those precious words, "I love you!" It is likewise important that we engage the sense of touch, smell, sight... get the idea? Each multi-sensory "moment" we spend with our family members will go a long long way towards positive change and progressive development in each of our given relationships in life. 

Some practical suggestions here:

Go grab your digital camera and go outdoors together as a family!

Buy an affordable camera if you still don't have one.  

Yes, take pictures! 

But most importantly, invest "moments" in those shots! 

Let those photos speak a thousand words. 

Let's make sure that whenever one looks back at those photos again in the future, they will have a multi-sensory recollection of that moment. 

Let them say, "oh we were laughing out loud here" "we were having such a great time when this shot was taken". 

Too bad, digital cameras today still can't record "physical touch" "warm hugs" "affirming words" "an encouraging voice", but I thank the good Lord for how He has uniquely given each one the capacity to store those multi-sensory experiences in our hearts and minds. 

Wow! isn't all these all worth it?