by Jeffrey Bush
Last week my family and I went to the gulf side of Florida. Returning to our nine-year “usual vacation spot” is hands down our biggest highlight of the year. We love the beach, the pool, the sand, the lizards (ok, just my son and I love this part), sleeping in, lots of snacks, and the carefree feeling. This year I promised not to be on devices. I did great until I finally answered a pastor’s call. I thought I was clever, but when I walked downstairs two of my daughters looked at me and said, “Give us your phone.” Busted!
I’m sure you don’t want to hear about my vacation, so let me get to the point. Allow me to tell you why I believe so strongly in vacations, and why I want to encourage you to plan your next vacation. Below are simple thoughts that I ask you to consider:
- Rest and relaxation are godly.
God rested after creating the world. God gave the children of Israel a sabbath, and made them take it seriously. God gives His beloved sleep (Psalm 127:2). God tells those that are weary and heavy laden to go to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28). God makes the sun to go up and down, forcing a break from work while the big light goes out.
You see, resting and relaxing is good and needed. In fact, there’s nothing godly about always working and never resting. In other words, there’s nothing noble by saying you haven’t taken a vacation in years. That thought pattern isn’t God-like; it’s actually admitting you don’t agree with God’s teaching.
- Make memories.
Kids grow up fast, and they need a suitcase full of good memories. You and your spouse are growing old together, so make it a fun time instead of just letting time fly by. After the Psalmist talks about how fast and frail our lives are in Psalm 90, he asks God, “So teach us to number our days” (vs. 12). If you number your days, you realize how few they are and you will begin planning to make them count. Your days are few and your days with your spouse and children are fewer, so be purposeful in making memories.
What happens when you let your kids look at your phone? Although they may play games, they usually find the pictures and start looking through them. So let me ask you, what memories will they find in your photo album? Maybe it’s time to pull the phone out and record some of those memories.
- Plan small getaways or activities now.
You don’t have to wait until next summer, until you’ve saved up, until you have a break or until the kids are out of school. Yes, you most certainly should plan a yearly vacation, but you can plan memory-making moments every week. What about a time to go to the lake? What about a movie on the wall with your projector? What about a trip to the park? What about a picnic? What about a hike or nature trail? What about a day at the zoo or aquarium? What about a board game? What about a boat ride, camping trip, or fishing trip? While there are times to spend money or take a week off, there are some activities that don’t require large sums of time yet can rejuvenate you, your spouse, and your kids. Start planning some memory-making moments this week for the family. So here’s the homework: Pull out the yearly calendar and nail down a vacation week (or two). Pull out the monthly calendar and see what special family activity can be done this month or even this week. Planning and anticipating is a large portion of the fun!
Here to Serve,
Jeff