What can we learn from our times on vacation?

I have been sharing my thoughts with you recently about Psalm 23. https://thankfulinallthings.com/musings-on-psalms-23/ Well this week I get to experience where God “leads me by still waters so He can restoreth my soul”

The beach is my favorite vacation location and the Outer Banks of North Carolina has been a destination spot for our family. We came down with friends 35 years ago and have been coming back ever since. This week we are here with two other couples who have been friends for almost 50 years which leads me to what the ocean can teach us. Where there is an ocean there is a beach and the beach is a place where friends and family can gather to rest and enjoy a time away together away from the regular day to day constraints. This type of time teaches us that we need to get away so we can return ready to deal with our normal day to day responsibilities. Hopefully it is a time where we can be encouraged by those with us and that we can do the same for them as well. The goal is to find depth in our conversations and to laugh a lot.

The best type of vacation is when everyone has a willingness to pitch in so there is time for each person to recharge knowing there is someone taking care of what needs to be done. Here are a few examples that have worked for us in the past. 1) An agreement to share equally in the expenses and the opportunity to pay a little more for someone who needs the financial help. 2) There are nights you cook and clean up so you know you can relax with no responsibilities the other nights. 3) Noone has to do anything except for the family photo 🙂 Games can be played and movies can be watched but there is freedom to not participate. 4) You commit to help everyone find the time to have personal down time and take a nap or two and others do the same for you.

As I thought about these vacation guidelines, I wondered why we don’t implement them into our every day lives as well. Think about it….1) Why not share equally in chores or financial matters more? Hebrews 13:16 says, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Acts 4:32 “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.” 2) Think of the times where others do the chores so you can rest as your Sabbath. “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.” – Genesis 2:2 We all need to find down time where we can truly rest and not feel bad about not pitching in. Follow God’s example and take a full day each week for Sabbath rest – a time to focus on God and His goodness, and allow Him to refresh you for the next week’s work. 3) As far as the family photo. Seek Unity in all you do and honor your mother 🙂 “God calls his people to live in unity with one another, so it is important to make every effort to live together in harmony with everyone.” Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” 4) Help those around you to find rest and restoration. Ephesians 4:2,3 “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Can we turn vacations into our every day lives? Why not give it a try. Maybe soon no matter where you are, you can say when asked how are you doing, “it is just another day in paradise.” 🙂 Why not just Let Go!

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