![Matthew and children in the sukkah](https://steemitimages.com/DQmbLjZushhRr7YKuvvXsneLt3ZjxWxTDfNnPqWj7wSKXws/photo5104913491856304082%20Cropped.jpg)

## Thankful for time together and a special celebration

The children have been looking forward to this for a long time. Every year we celebrate Sukkot (Feast Of Tabernacles), a holiday from the Bible. We are not Jewish, but believe that the scriptures are the Way Of Life.

The last three years during Sukkot, we have lived in an apartment building. My parents would host us on their farm and we have great memories of spending time with them there and camping. This year, though, we are living in a house with a backyard... so we can build our own Sukkah.

## Making time for the important things

Yes, I have lots of work to do. We don't have a lot of money. But we need to take time to remember what is important. To value family time. And to guide our children so that they know what we value.

## Building a good life, while hoping for something better

![photo5104913491856304080.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmWR1n4YdXxCGnqTTcp1Kc3oX9sdRKgwZvNfDTG5B5qh4y/photo5104913491856304080.jpg)

We built our temporary shelter in an afternoon. It didn't take much time. Our daughter was excited about decorating it. We cut green branches and hung festive lights.

We are thankful for the good things we have, but know that things could be better. That they will be better. That's what Sukkot is about. Longing for the Creator to live with us, to guide us in the Way. The Sukkah is a reminder that he has gone to prepare a place for us, a "heavenly dwelling" (the common English phrase). 

## Happy Together!

![photo5104913491856304081.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmTmYFbCR2Qy3xAsPoEwN6b4qSbyNi5THjzb4pbC1fwuGc/photo5104913491856304081.jpg)

Grilled burgers, with smokey taste from the gathered wood, make for a joyful meal. 

Look at Noah, in the green shirt on the left, dig into that burger! Good times.

Not that the children are perfectly behaved. Things don't have to be perfect to be enjoyed. Our youngest son, who can be quite trying, needs some extra special attention and guidance. But you can see from the picture that they are happy and we thoroughly enjoyed our time together. 

## Take time to do good things with the people you love!

It's times like these that we will remember and cherish, appointments with a higher purpose. Appointed Times. 

I hope this inspires you to reconnect with those you love and to reaffirm your values, making a commitment to live the life you want to live. 

### Thanks for reading!

--- @matthewdavid