Vacation!
Lots of things come to mind when the word vacation is mentioned: no work, new adventure, time off, recreation, rest, spontaneity, freedom. There are also some negative thoughts: preparation/planning, hassle, packing, lack of routine.
The word vacation is a noun defined as “A period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday.”
Since I just returned from my longest vacation to date (almost 2 weeks) I thought I’d share a couple of thoughts. Generally speaking, when I go on vacation, I’m fairly frazzled at the beginning from all the preparation. This trip was especially daunting because I’d never traveled internationally before. Thankfully I started to plan things in my mind (and had plenty of lists!) well in advance. I was even surprised at how much needed to be handed over at work.
As I anticipated this trip I was looking forward to having some time to be able to think without interuption. However, there wasn’t as much down time as I thought there would be. There was a good bit of time on planes and buses but there were also distractions, not to mention wanting to sleep. I also thought I’d have a lot more time to read and write. I always have best laid plans in this regard but get distracted easily with other things.
We were on a fairly tight schedule and in fairly tight quarters. For instance, there was nowhere to sit comfortably in our room and, if there were areas to sit, they were not private. Therefore my quiet time in the morning was nonexistent. I was able to pray some and I did read some of the notes from my Bible study. I think I may have read one chapter in the Bible. We did not attend church and I did not attend my Bible study. You would think that a break from all of these things would be nice. It was not.
God created us to be in communion with Him. I was amazed at how quickly I started to be drawn into wrong thinking. As I rode along on the bus to our various destinations I would stare out the window and crazy thoughts would enter my mind; thoughts of doubt and despair. Our minds play tricks on us when we are not training our thoughts toward God. These two passages come quickly to mind:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8
I missed times of sharing what I was learning, of singing praises, of hearing the Word of God spoken through preaching and lectures, encouragement by my dear sisters in Christ, both at BSF and church. What is really bad is that I had just studied about being “salt and light.” Instead of me being “salt and light” I was drawn into the darkness.
As we reviewed Matthew 7 this weekend, I was reminded how easily I wander off the narrow road that leads to life.
Jesus speaking: “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
I will close with the verses of a favorite hymn that fits with my thoughts above:
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!Refrain:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!
Have a great day!