Making Moments Count

Over the past couple of years the economy has been on a rollercoaster ride, to say the least. Things are not turning around as fast as those in the government have promised. But I'm not here to make a political statement; that's not my expertise. I'm a travel agent. Yeah, you're right: I make money by your traveling, so naturally I want you to travel, and I want your business. However, that is not the sole reason that I'm penning this article. I want you to consider how these times add pressure to your life and your family. Most companies are asking us to do more at work with fewer people and in the same amount of time, if you are an hourly employee. But if you are on salary, now you can easily find yourself putting in 60 or 70 hours per week when you used to do 40 or 45. Why? Because the work is there and the boss expects it done.

This is where I come it. Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, calls the seventh habit—and it might be the most important, the one we tend to neglect the most—"sharpening the saw." He discusses how we work very hard at our jobs weeks and weeks on end. As a result, we don't spend the proper time with our families. Our children grow up in the blink of an eye, and after time has passed, we can't get that back.

I know with both my children and stepdaughters, time has just flown by. I look back and wish I would have taken that afternoon with them to take a walk, play a board game, or just talk. Now all three of my girls have graduated from college and are starting lives of their own. My son is in high school, and before too long he will be in college. I say all of that to say this: Why? Why do we let these moments pass? Even as I am writing this blog, I wonder if there is something that I should be doing with my kids. And what about my wife, a lady who has dedicated her life to our kids and who has sacrificed more for us than I'll ever know?

Time. I'm talking about time. We only have so much of it in the bank. We really can't add to it, and each second we make a withdrawal. And it’s not like our checking accounts: We can't overdraw, and when the time bank is empty, we step into eternity. Where is your eternity? If you know Jesus as your savior, your designation is Heaven to reign with Him forever. If you don't know Him as your savior, your eternity is not very bright. If you don't know what I'm talking about, please check out the Plan of Salvation on my church's website.

So the point of today’s blog is this: Don't let this time pass. There are a lot of inexpensive travel deals out there, and I pride myself in being able to find something to fit almost anyone's budget. Anything you can do to get away with your loved ones will help you recharge and reconnect. September is fast approaching, and after Labor Day, the hotels around the beach areas offer great deals. I know the kids are back in school, but you know what? School is school, and it will be there until they are 18 years old and beyond. What would it hurt to pull them out of school for two or three days for a long weekend? We would take Tiffany and Courtney out for a week at a time on a cruise in September or October. Their teachers knew well in advance and would give them the assignments they‘d be missing. You tell me what’s more fun: doing schoolwork in a classroom, looking out the same old windows, or doing homework for a couple hours a day on a cruise ship sailing in the Caribbean?

We at Agape Travel will work with you, setting up payment plans with low deposits. When should you start planning? Now! I have prices for cruises through 2013. Also, know that Disney requires just a small deposit for their parks, and final payment isn’t due until about 90 days out. I will be more than happy to set up a layaway type of plan for you. You make the deposit and monthly or biweekly payments that fit your budget, and before you know it, your family vacation is paid for! Want to save more? Set up a group. A lot of hotels and resorts give comp rooms for as few as ten rooms booked. Cruise lines give one free cabin per fifteen cabins or one berth for every eight cabins.

So, if you need to sharpen the saw and you need some ideas to make it happen, let's talk. I'm sure we can find something for your family. Don’t waste another precious moment!

Happy Sailing,

Rick