Strategy 4: Distraction-Free Walks

The Bible has many references to walking and most times it is in relation to who we are spending time with.

It goes to make sense then that the simple act of walking could be an underutilized battlefield in the fight for our family. It is a bold argument but families that walk together grow closer along the journey.

The last home we lived in was in a subdivision. It had one road in and multiple outlets along the way. Reflecting back, what I often miss the most about that home were the wonderful walks we took as a family. We found it healthy and therapeutic to take short walks together on a regular basis. Most of them were completed in 20-30 minutes yet the impact they had on my memory will last forever.

I remember hearing about the latest breaking news happening at my daughters' school and even how nervous one was for an upcoming basketball game. It was a time to make each other laugh and even mix in the occasional race along the way.

Unfortunately, some walks were not the greatest. Answering emails, returning texts, and taking the ill-timed call were all too common. Looking back now I can see that many of those were missed opportunities. The reality is the amount of time we have in our children’s lives is extremely limited.

On average, we each are given approximately 940 Saturdays with our children from birth until they turn 18. Hearing the number that way hits harder for me. Some studies suggest that parents spend around 2 to 3 hours a day of quality time with their children during the school week, increasing to about 4 to 6 hours a day on weekends. This adds up to roughly 13,000 to 19,000 hours of quality time over 18 years. While these seem like a lot, ask any parent with grown children and they’ll all tell you it goes by in the blink of an eye.

Why bring up these statistics? Because you have been handpicked by God to lead your family and stewarding the time well that you are given is your duty as their parent. Taking the time to go on a walk is a simple yet effective way to connect with your family without distractions.

Satan is going to discourage you and wants to keep you indoors, preoccupied with screens and busyness. Fighting back by taking a walk allows you to engage in meaningful conversation, enjoy God’s creation, and that every crucial quality time together. It’s a practice that refreshes both the body and spirit.

Questions to Consider:

1. How does recognizing the limited time you have with your children until they turn 18 inspire you to be more intentional with the time you spend together?
2. What distractions—such as emails, texts, or screens—are currently preventing you from fully engaging in meaningful moments with your family?