We do a bit of "bush-walking" most weekends these days. We really only use fire trails, or really well-worn paths, and only go for about 1 hour at a time (And, that is one hour at 2 and 3-year-old pace... we don't go far!).
Personally, I don't consider myself a huge fan of bush-walking. I have done some serious bush-walking in my time, but only when it was truly necessary in order to see something (e.g. I walked the Tongariro Circuit and the Milford Sound, both in NZ). These days, enjoying the bush at the pace set by a 2 and 3-year-old is about right for me!
But, I just wouldn't miss watching Matt with our kids in the bush. He explains things and points out little features that I would overlook. He helps them jump over the big puddles (quite a few of those around these days). He helps them find "bush-walking sticks" on the ground and breaks them until they are the appropriate height.
There is something so lovely about watching a parent impart a passion to their children. Matt takes time to pass his enjoyment of the outdoors on to our children. And, I'm not sure if it is just the enjoyment of daddy's undivided attention, or a genuine enjoyment of the bush, but I can see Miss 3 and Mr 2 soaking it all up too. None of this is over-thought, and none of it is planned. It is just the natural result of Matt's passion overflowing to our children. The passion and enthusiasm is contagious.
This makes me wonder what passion(s) my children 'catch' from me. I want to think they would catch a passion for Jesus, for other people, for my husband and family. I hope they will not just catch my passion for organisation or tidiness, or busyness, or finding things on the internet. But sadly, maybe sometimes my enthusiasm for these more trivial/ frivolous things bubbles over more than my enthusiasm for my true priorities...
What passions do you want to pass on to your children?
