Our Christmas holiday house was right across the raod from a very long beach. Along
the water each morning and evening there would be hundreds of people jogging
and walking.
Most of the runners were super tanned and super fit. I
would see more six packs in an hour than I see all year! One guy had such
defined muscles all over his body that at first glance I thought he was wearing
a plastic muscle suit!
It was so fun to run with other people who also enjoy it.
Simply being on the same path gave me a sense of belonging and affirmation.
There was a feeling of purpose and achievement that was quite pleasing.
Although we were each jogging at our own pace, for our
own distance, for our own goal; collectively we were the same in terms of
chosen exercise and the importance we placed on that.
I came away from that week inspired to keep running. Just
knowing that there were others who were also doing their bit in their corner of
the world was a motivation to keep moving.
Likewise in my parenting journey, I am motivated and
inspired by gatherings of like-minded families. Spending a weekend with those
who are also intentional in their parenting, who set goals for their children
and who have a clear idea of what they would like the finish line to be
characterised by is inspiring.
It is a privilege to learn from those who are walking
ahead of me and to encourage those walking behind to keep going.
Monthly meetings with other mums can provide a lot of the
practical how-to’s for everyday life. These meetings can also be enriching for the
children as they play and grow together.
A community can keep you on the road during the hard
times, and is a refreshing interlude along your parenting journey.
