We will be visiting one of the couples we first knew when we married twenty six years ago. The boys will go coyote hunting and the ladies will do some shopping. Then Todd will have to head home so he can work, while the rest of us head further north to visit my sister. We’ll be gone ten days. That is a really long time for a home body like me.
The car is packed, the food is ready, the house is in order, just a few last minute details and we will be on our way.
I am reminded of a talk I heard about vacation and vacating God. It would be easy to get caught up in all the “fun”, but instead of forgetting God we want to make Him the center. We will purpose to remember Whose we are and Who we serve. As we stay in people’s homes we hope to bring the joy of the Lord with us. Before each stop we pray for our lives to honor our Jesus in all we think, say and do.
In all the activity, we will make an effort to stay connected, both Todd and I, and with the children. We all know that we represent not just ourselves but our family and the Lord. There is the expectation that we will hold each other accountable. Quiet moments will be grabbed to connect and discuss how we are doing. Bible reading and journaling will not be set aside.
It can be difficult to keep the Lord on the throne when “fun” is the goal and the routine is missing. That is why we talk with our children before we leave about how we will keep our normal. Focusing on the preciousness of others, keeps our hearts that of a servant.
So yes, I am saying this all matter of fact, and really it should be. After all, why should our lives look different on vacation than they do at home? Still, I pray, knowing our weakness and how easily we are distracted. Lord, be glorified in our vacation!!