Hunting, Fishing, Shopping, and Date Nights

Hunting, Fishing, Shopping, and Date Nights

Stacy Harris' Boys: Howlett, Hampton, Hunter, and friend Zane holding up their catch!
Stacy Harris’ Boys: Howlett, Hampton, Hunter, and friend Zane holding up their catch!

During the past twenty years or so, I have found that people in general NEED something to look forward to in life and a few really great surprises from time to time. Last weekend a friend of Scott’s called up at ABOUT 9:30 p.m. and asked if Scott and the boys could go on a short fishing trip the next day. (Thanks Ryan and Brannon!!!) The kids LOVE the beach and they do not get to go very often so of course the answer was a resounding “YES.” I was excited to because we were about out of fish and I love fish soup made with homemade fish stock.

This stock is almost ready to be strained!! Yummy!
This stock is almost ready to be strained!! Yummy!

I got to thinking about the excitement that Scott and the kids had over this surprise and how thrilled they were as they were gathering their equipment together for this much needed bit of recreation. I see how they are motivated to work and prepare for hunting and how there is little complaint if any at all the hard work.

Howlett with his catch of the day!

I notice a lighter step, a willingness to clean out closets and clean rooms upon my announcement at a shopping trip and it occurred to me that when there is something exciting and fun to look forward to, there seems to be a lighter heart. Any amount of work to prepare for the prize is not too much.

Hampton bringing in a big one!
Hampton bringing in a big one!

Having something to look forward to seems to keep my children happy and motivated. Our entire family looks forward to hunting, fishing, shopping, and date nights. The fishing trips seem to be a little more looked forward to by the boys and the shopping by the girls, but every child LOVES and looks very forward to their turn for date night. They each get to go out to eat at the restaurant of their choice once every seven weeks ( they have to wait for their turn). The grandparent’s babysit the other kids which is also very special to the kids left at home each week.

Some kids and adults need something exciting to look forward to, and some just need something quiet and relaxing.

Hunter shows us his catch of the day!
Hunter shows us his catch of the day!

Finding what makes your family tick is the key. I cannot tell you how much this common sense knowledge has helped me. When my kids begin to lose their interest for staying on task whether it be schoolwork or chores, I can announce a special treat at the end of the week and everyone gets a new “I can do this” attitude. Everyone gets a new wind in their sail and works with joy and thanksgiving.

Scott, my man, with his beauty!!!
Scott, my man, with his beauty!!!

I think God created us with a natural propensity to look forward to the “prize” whether it be an earthly benefit of righteous living or for eternity so that we can endure some of the hardships in this world. We always have hope and something to look forward to. Giving hope of the future even in little surprises to our kids will prepare them to “keep on keeping on” when times get tough. They will have that hope that there are good things to come!!

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6 Comments

  1. Thank you for the post…great looking family!!!!

    1. Stacy Harris says:

      Thanks for the feedback! We do have a lot of fun and it certainly is not boring!!

  2. I love fish stock from perch. Delicious! Thanks for sharing. 🙂

    1. Stacy Harris says:

      I love perch. I have only eaten it a few times in that I live in Alabama, but it would make a great tasting stock. I need to go fishing for some and try out a few recipes that are building in my mind!

  3. So true! Often we need short term things to look forward to in order to keep on keeping on. God provides so many small pleasures to enjoy along the way.

    1. Stacy Harris says:

      Thanks for these words. Sometimes it can be hard to see with all the hustle and bustle and little fires to put out all day. It is a good reminder to walk with thankfulness.

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