We didn’t build this one, but we love all fire pits!
One summer when our son was 7, our family built a firepit on our ranch. We spent an entire day digging up ground, leveling dirt, and hauling heavy stones back and forth. We barely finished before the hot Texas sun began setting over the horizon. Collapsing into the chairs in front of the fire, our son began jumping up and down and said, “This was the best day, EVER!” I remember the surprise I felt, because several times throughout that humid morning and afternoon I had grumbled to myself, “And why didn’t we just pay someone to build this!?!” Yet, even in the more difficult moments I, too, found joy in the work we were doing as a family. Being able to watch our son rejoice in his creation was heartwarming, but when we asked him what the best part of the day was, the only thing he said, “We were together.”
That experience taught me two things. A child just wants to spend time with their family. It does not matter what you do as long as you are doing it together. Be an active participant in creating and “doing” with your children. Do not sit on the sidelines while they play in solitude. As a parent, what your child wants most is you.
The second thing it taught me is our desire to create is naturally a part of every person. We may not become a sought-after artist, but the longing to build is strong. Whether it be drawing architectural plans, starting a company, baking a cake, or painting a canvas, the dream to make nothing become something is real. Do not deny that inner voice telling you to “go and do.” This call comes directly from God. He says we are made in His image, and He is the greatest creator of all. “In the beginning God created…” (Genesis 1:1 NIV).
Together with you,
Lisa Lou