I was heading to Lexington this week. It’s just over an hour away, and as you get closer, there are several exits that will all get you to roughly the same spot. I chose the most scenic. It was a frosty morning. I intentionally took a route that added about five minutes, just so I could roll through the undulating roads along dozens of horse farms. It was like vehicular therapy. Quiet, sunny and hilly. It was calm and peaceful. I was reminded of the moment when the storms raged and Jesus brought calm to the sea. In Mark 4, he commanded the waves to stop, and there was “…great calm”. As I walk through the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, one thing I want to help my family experience is calm. I want to be a force for peace in my home. Sometimes, that means taking the scenic route.

15 romantic ideas for married couples: A romantic gesture at an unexpected time can do nothing but strengthen your marriage relationship. Try sending flowers to her place of business on a random Tuesday. It’ll make her day.

The power of interruptions: When it comes to our children, natural interruptions can be incredibly valuable. Some of our most opportune moments as fathers will be unplanned, unscripted, and maybe even inconvenient. So, as we get hit with interruptions, let’s take advantage and connect with our kids on a deeper level.

“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” – Saint Francis de Sales

“You can play fast but not in a hurry.” – Steph Curry

“He who sows hurry reaps indigestion.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

“Silent night, holy night, all is calm…” – Silent Night by Franz Xaver Gruber

Slow down. At some point this week, you’ll be given a choice. A choice of whether you cram one more thing onto your to-do list or you slow down for a bit. If possible, choose the latter. Instead of seeing what all you can get done this week, just for the fun (and lack of indigestion of it all), see what all you can remove from your calendar. Create some margin. Give room for spontaneity. Say yes to building that LEGO set or playing that silly game. Give yourself permission to slow down. It’s a gift you’ll be giving to your family.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Kent Evans
Author of The Manhood Journey, co-founder of Manhood Journey and Father On Purpose.

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

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