A Wonderful Time of Year

                Submitted by: Marie Parkinson

Ahh! Summer is here at last. The sun is beaming in the sky and the tilt of the earth allows us the ability to feel of its warmth and radiance. The earth is booming in a fresh coat of color as the breeze fills us with new aromas. What a wonderful time of the year.

With all summer has to offer, it seems easier to get out and "do" and become more physically fit. The warmer weather and longer days bring golf, tennis, swimming, fishing, boating, bicycling, hiking, jogging, walking and yard and garden work. Another benefit summer offers is that many of the activities we can do as families.

The world is shouting for a stronger family unit. It has often been said that the family that "plays and prays" together has a much better chance of staying together.

A few years ago, my husband was hiking Table Rock with a scout group from our ward. As they were going across the shail rock just before the final assent, they came upon an elderly man with a young child. The man stopped and leaned on his cane as he chatted with our party of hikers. He said that he was seventy-two years old, and that every summer he hiked up Table Rock with as many of his grandchildren as possible.

What a legacy this man is leaving behind. Table Rock is not an easy hike and takes several hours to complete. Can you imagine what kind of an experience it would be to have the "whole day" alone with Grandpa in the beauty of the Tetons? Think of the lessons of nature that could be learned. Imagine the stories of "Grandpa's childhood" that one would hear. Along with that comes the opportunity for the youth to talk and explain their life to another generation. Perhaps the greatest dividend would be the team effort of helping one another and accomplishing together. The picture of Grandpa and Grandchild sitting on top of Table Rock with the Grand at their backs would make the experience last forever.

If the family unit is to become stronger and survive the trials of this hectic day and age, we need to provide our children with wonderful family experiences. There are so many activities that the family can enjoy together: golf, tennis, fishing, badminton, outdoor volleyball, croquette, horseshoes, jog, walk, fly kites, bicycle, canoeing, ride horses, (or walk or drive my horses!) etc., etc., etc.. Whole families ride bikes together with Dad in front and Mom bringing up the rear. When is the last time you packed a lunch and went for a hike/swim and picnic together? Our area is filled with hundreds of trails that make for wonderful hiking and picnicking. Before the summer ends, plan one as a family.

As you set your goals to make both you and your family unit stronger, remember to play together on a regular bases. Enjoy the summer weather with the joy of parent and child working and playing together. All too soon the summer will end and just as soon the children go and depart from our homes. Use each opportunity to enjoy the warmth of both summer and family.