We have a summer tradition that started several years ago: every Memorial Day we go camping in Nomee Ranch. It’s a piece of private property (20+ acres) in Como, Colorado (which is just this side of Fairplay) and it has 2 cabins, fishing ponds, an outhouse (yeah I said it) and a view of god’s country second to none. The land is now owned by the widow (Darlis) of a truly great man–Jim Matthews.

Jim started the camping tradition as a member of our little church. He was a man who embodied the term “servant leader”. I’ve never met another man quite like Jim. He was an old guy with a young heart…especially a heart for young couples. He had this great piece of property in the Colorado Mountains and his passion was sharing it with others (as he shared everything else).

Jim passed away a few years ago, but we have kept the Camping tradition going…in his honor! And this year we expanded it to include the Labor Day weekend. This last weekend we went with two close family friends, Bill & Cindy and Shawn & Iris (and all of our kids). We had a blast!! We did it all: hiking, fishing, smore’s over a roaring fire, BB Gun shooting, sling-shots, fixing the dam on the pond, sleeping in, and on and on.

Time with family, time with God, time away. And we shared it with each other. Jim wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Thanks Jim…and say “Hi” to Jesus for me.

Class III and IV Rapids on a 19 mile stretch of the Arkansas River

Section 320, Row 4, Seat 8

That was pretty much how I spent my weekend. It was one of those weekends full of stuff that makes you remember why you work in the first place–to get out and do stuff with your friends and family. It was a reminder that work isn’t done for the sake of the work (at least not in my case–you may have that perfect job).

So Saturday was a full day of White Water Rafting with 7 other guys from Men’s Group. We had an absolute blast. And aside from getting up at 4:30 in the morning, driving 2 hours to Buena Vista (with one close call with the state patrol), and a few sunburns it was one of those “perfect” days that you only get once in awhile. The weather was great, the water was raging (although next year we kick it up to Class IV and V), and just hanging with the guys is something every guy needs every now and then.

Then to cap off the weekend Anita and I got to go to The Police Concert at the Pepsi Center Sunday night. While the concert was good–the music was everything I expected and Sting seemed to be having fun–the best part was hanging out with our new friends Rowland and Kitty Smith. It’s not often we find a couple with the same sense of humor and general family lifestyle as we do–but Rowland and Kitty fit that bill!! The night just wouldn’t have been the same without them and we are looking forward to spending more together in the future.

So what was the common theme this weekend?

One word: Friendships

There is more to life than work. I was reminded this weekend to be more intentional in making time for friends and family (even while I’m working). After all, it’s relationships that really make work (and playing) really worth while. Otherwise your just sitting in a raft or an empty stadium by yourself!