We love movies about rescues.
Even the ones that fail.
There's something in us that roots for the helicopter to arrive in time, for the rope to hold, for the lifeboat to appear through the storm.
Remember The Perfect Storm? George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg, fighting impossible waves, hoping someone — anyone — would come save them.
Spoiler: No one did.
Here's the hard truth they had to face, and the same truth you and I need to face about our families:
No one is coming.
Not the government. Not the school system. Not the internet. Not your employer. Certainly not social media.
No one is coming to rescue your family.
It's on you.
That might sound heavy. But I actually think it's the most freeing thing you can realize.
Because once you stop waiting for someone else to fix dinner, to start the conversation, to put the phones away, to create the memories — you realize YOU have the power to do it.
Tonight.
At your table.
Here's what I've learned after nearly 20 years as a Navy chaplain working with military families and with my own family:
The families that thrive aren't the ones with perfect circumstances. They're the ones who decided — on purpose — to build something together.
And one of the simplest (not easiest, but simplest) ways to do that?
Regular family dinners.
Not fancy. Not Instagram-worthy. Just consistent.
Showing up. Sitting down. Talking. Listening. Being present.
That's the lifeboat.
You're the rescuer your family has been waiting for.
So tonight, here's my challenge:
Sit down together. Put the phones away. Ask one question: "What's one thing that made you smile today?"
That's it. Start there.
You don't have to be perfect. You just have to show up.
No one else is coming. But you're already there.
Let's build something that lasts.
— Chaps
P.S. Hit reply and tell me — what's the biggest obstacle standing between your family and regular dinners together? I read every response.
P.P.S. I’m building something to make family dinners even easier. Want early access? Join the waitlist: heyaliceplan.com.