This is my signature shot for the day. It was just a simple adventure – heading into Old Saybrook to look at the water and then a walk around the town – but there’s something special about doing anything, deliberately, as a family.

I remember when our own children – Andrew and Naomi – were little. Rebekah and I made adventures out of everything. The point is that it’s a big deal to be together as a family. And, in consequence, even a trip to walk around the mall for an hour can qualify as special.

It’s the same principle that Rebekah and I have always built “date night” around. Back in college, when we could scrounge up maybe 50-cents cash, we’d still “go out” for a date. Sometimes that involved walking long hours around the residential streets behind campus. We’d stop at the 7-11, purchase one honey-bun and a pint of milk, and share it over on the steps of the Baptist church across the street. But it was special, because it was deliberate.

Same thing with the kids. Summer vacation especially, we’d go somewhere pretty-much every day.

Maybe we’d drive out to the beach for an hour and a half, and make stopping for a smoothie on the way there the special treat. Or maybe we’d ride our bikes in convoy around the neighborhood, finishing up at the church for lemonade with mama.

It really didn’t matter what it was, it was special because it was together, as a family. It’s the effort that can make anything at all an amazing adventure!

That’s the kind of thinking that’s been running through my head and my heart this week. Do something, do something every day; it’s going to be memorable simply because we did it!

The principle is true for all of us. Marriages, kids, friendships. It’s not necessary to spend a lot of money or to do something spectacular. Just being together – intentionally – turns out to be pretty darned spectacular.

– DEREK