Outdoor Exploring

My husband and I couldn’t be more different. Can I get an Amen? I squeal like a little girl at the sight of a bug — any bug as I don’t discriminate. I love to explore, but on concrete sidewalks. He would be happy never stepping foot inside city limits, but he will take us deep into the woods or out to the middle of a lake at the drop of a hat. Want a bonfire? Give him 10 minutes. Ready to take a ride on the four-wheeler? He’s always ready…hop on! Our differences create a special balance for our family!

His love of the great outdoors is teaching our kids an approach to life that is invaluable.

They attend a school that builds its curriculum around outdoor education and we have seen our kids thrive in this approach. It warms my heart to see my husband participate in their education in a way that ignites excitement in them all. He is growing in them not only a love for God’s creation, but lessons to guide them through life’s many twists and turns.

1. Education

Hunting and fishing bring about things I try to avoid at all costs. Early mornings, freezing cold weather and worms. My husband however, thrives on these (I just don’t get it?). He is successful because he takes the time to educate himself and our kids. He knows the best time and place to see fall leaves changing; when to pull our son from school and take him trout fishing; and where to take our daughter to find the best worms. He studies the habitat and the animals’ behaviors. Most importantly, he respects God’s kingdom and teaches our kids to do the same.

2. Preparation

Exploring the outdoors cannot be done properly without preparation. Before we jump in the boat or go for a trail ride, he is confirming the details of our plans. The lake or the woods would overwhelm me, but with him, we feel confident that he has taken every measure to ensure our safety and allows us to capitalize on our fun adventure. He is instilling in them vital survival skills to carry with them through life. Situational awareness and a keen sense of survival are precious gifts. As the old adage goes, “failure to prepare, prepare to fail.”

3. Patience

Nothing teaches patience like waiting for that fish to bite. I am amazed that our four-year-old son will sit quietly for lengthy periods of time in order to get a picture with the big bass that lives in our pond. I’ve named him Homer and he is always set free to live in his luxurious digs, but the look on my son’s face, knowing he educated himself on Homer’s favorite snack, gathered all the necessary equipment and patiently awaited Homer’s appearance, is priceless.

We aren’t born with patience. We live in a world of instant gratification and we need what we need, and we need it now. Practicing patience teaches appreciation and work ethic. It strengthens relationships and teaches them to be more focused on their goals and ready for challenges.

4. Be intentional

In today’s society, going outside is often an afterthought. We have a plethora of games and mobile devices at our fingertips and the creation around us tends to fall out of touch. It’s presented as an inconvenience for kids to get muddy and stinky. We must be intentional about keeping our kids connected to the outdoors and all God has laid out for them to play with and take care of. I am grateful to have a husband who helps keep me in check and encourages the dirt! He encourages the roaming through the woods, the swings after a rain and a golf cart ride at sunset.

I will be the first one to wander aimlessly through a new city, but those adventures do not compare to an evening of baseball at sunset on “Martin Family Field,” throwing tomatoes in the woods for Tommy the turtle or the excited look in my kids’ eyes at the mention of a fall bonfire. I fall in love with my husband more everyday watching him teach our children how to respect the outdoors, love and enjoy creation in the moment and how to worship in those quiet moments created only for them.