Gary Smalley, founder of the Smalley Relationship Center, says that the secret to a “close-knit relationship is shared experiences that turn into shared trials.” He mentions camping as one source for shared trials and a potential relationship-building activity. Makes sense. Camping is fraught with potential for trial.
There’s the weather. The bugs. The work. The hard ground.
He grants that you don’t have to camp to invite such trials. I agree. A picnic will do nicely.
The year of the October heatwave that turned to snow, we adapted to the rain with less time on the trail and more time on the road. Lunchtime still always found us nowhere near a restaurant. We picnicked in spite of the weather.
We stopped during sporadic sprinkling rain at an understandably empty picnic area, unloaded our supplies and got ready to make lunch: fruit, veggies, and—because it was cold—soup from a can. All was well until no one could find the can opener.
Long before this, back when we had one or maybe two children, we took a weekend camping trip five miles from home. By the time I had everything packed, piled, and ready to load, it filled two vehicles. My easy-going husband was less than happy. Now I try to be more reasonable when I pack.
The can opener was necessary, and not purposefully left behind. It probably sat alone and overlooked on the kitchen counter, utterly useless to my hungry family.
My husband is a creative guy, not easily flapped because he knows that there’s usually a solution if you stay calm and look at all the possibilities. In this case, the possibility was my son’s axe, which he lifted and struck the can—hard enough to open, yet gently enough to keep from spilling the contents everywhere.
The whole family watched him work on the can, too engrossed in what he was doing to notice the rain that once again began to fall until we heard the crunch of gravel. We turned and saw a Yellowstone Association minibus filled with students enrolled in a wilderness class. They drove past, staring but not stopping. My kids suspect the sight of a man hacking open a can with an axe turned them away.
It’s an image that sticks in the mind.
At least, it sticks with my kids. They weren’t mortified by it. It was just another family adventure and just their dad being their dad, saving the day in his quiet and slightly off-the-wall way.
Life’s an adventure, one filled with trials–otherwise known as opportunities to knit relationships closer together. Sometimes it’s our relationships with people that are strengthened and other times it’s our relationship with the God who created us. It’s hard to remember that in the midst, but worth it when we do.
A question for you: Do you see trials as something to be avoided at all costs or as opportunities for something good?
This is the first post in a 3 part series on the pitfalls and joys of life outdoors, especially those related to camping. Why post about camping in September? Fall’s weather is perfect for camping.
Sharing stories at Unforced Rhythms and Coffee for Your Heart.
This made me laugh tonight 😀 (Still playing catch-up on your blog!)
Maybe you shouldn’t have asked me for tips on road trips. We obviously don’t have it all together, but we have a terrific time!
Ha! But you know what? I gleaned a tip from this post: BE PREPARED TO ADAPT. I’ve been so focused on the physical preparations, but I haven’t tended to the spiritual/mental preparation. Kind of important. 😉
Such a good point!
As someone who tends to over react, I prefer to avoid conflict like the plague. My husband is the calm one and we both avoid potential conflict. I guess we should see life more as the adventure it is!
Adventure definitely has its place. I think you and share some commonalities!
Hey Natalie … I do believe I enjoy reading about your adventures more than actually living them out! What a cool idea for a little series … great fun!
You may just motivate me!
;-}
Well, that brought a smile to my face. Adventure is a matter of perspective. It was easier to see the adventure once the children were fed!
Beautiful words and a great reminder just when I needed it! Thanks!
Visiting from Holley Gerth!:)
Thanks for your encouraging words and for stopping by.
You remind me of these timeless words by Chesterton: “An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is an adventure wrongly considered.” Well played, Natalie and family. Well played. 🙂
And as always, we’re happy to have you with us at Unforced Rhythms.
What a wonderful definition of adventure! I’ll add it to my collection. I need to revisit Chesterton in my reading this fall.
You made me smile this evening. Thanks.
Our families could camp together. 🙂 You and I would overpack, and our husbands would laugh and make do with whatever is at hand. Shared experiences/trials definitely draw people together. Love this analogy.
Now that makes me smile! Thanks for that!
I think we avoid trials but they are always the way to greater fulfillment. We miss so much when we avoid them. As you know, I’m going through my own trial at the moment and trying to heed the deep life lessons from it. I don’t camp but I do idealize the thought of it. Love you and your thoughts.
Courage, friend. That’s what it takes to let trials do their work. Praying for you.
Oh, Natalie… You make me want to camp this fall. 🙂 But aside from that, the trial I’m currently in the midst of is one that definitely makes me want to run from all future trials at any cost. Ugh. BUT… I know that as I surrender to Him in the midst of it, He is forming Himself inside me. My flesh sure does want to kick and scream and buck the pain, though. Learning to trust His hand moving in my depths in the midst of pain is the most painful, yet most fulfilling journey. Blessings to you today. (Stopped by from Kelli’s place this morning. 🙂 )
He is transforming us all the time, particularly the difficult times. James’ words about letting trials do their work so that we will be complete, lacking in nothing have become something of a comfort as I have realized that each one has purpose. Praying for your journey today.