Vacation-Rest?

FamilyVacation is a word that has me dreaming of rest and adventure. I am in need of both, desperately. We have a great family adventure-road trip planned. It has taken us three years to get it on the calendar with reservations made. Today, however, vacation does not mean rest and adventure. It means stress.

Are you like me? My head is swimming with “to do” lists. There are groceries to buy, packing to be done, the house must be clean before we leave, along with first aid and travel necessities to organize. Of course, I’m not just organizing myself and travel needs there are two boys and a hubby, as well. Time is ticking quickly. The crabbiness and panic are starting to rise. I may drop from exhaustion or an aneurysm before we ever get in the van.  And, I haven’t even mentioned getting my day job organized, ugh. Vacation-rest?

Taking the time to focus and write this has been a mental obstacle course. I have lost touch with my ability to rest with God. My heart knows He’s there willing to fill me with peace, but my head is racing. So, I pace and pray in the kitchen. I’m reminded of what matters.

I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God’s great mystery. All the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge are embedded in that mystery and nowhere else. And we’ve been shown the mystery! I’m telling you this because I don’t want anyone leading you off on some wild-goose chase, after other so-called mysteries, or “the Secret.” (Colossians 2:2-4 MSG).
Vacation-rest will  happen even if I forget to pack water bottles. Keeping my mind confident at rest, focused on Christ, is what will make this time with my family a great adventure. My hyper preparedness isn’t going to create memories. Resting in Christ allows me to enjoy the moments even the moments preparing. Resting in Christ not only lowers my blood pressure, it reduces my crabbiness. Staying focused on the great mystery of God keeps me in the now and not on a mental wild goose chase.
Vacation-rest can happen daily when I’m woven into the tapestry of love. I don’t have to wait for a road trip. It is so easy to be pulled into the craziness of life and lose precious moments right in front of me. As I prepare for vacation, I’m reminded that rest can happen daily when I am intentional about staying woven and in touch with everything of God.
How are you at vacation and rest? Does the thought of vacation make your mind race? How do you stay at rest with God? Share your experiences here and breathe life bring hope to others.

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