Flourishing Life

“A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it.” – Robert Orben

How does your family take vacations? If you’re a dad, are you one of the dads who tells the kids, “We’re starting with empty bladders and a full tank of gas and we’re not stopping until we have an empty gas tank and full bladders!”? Do you attack the vacation? Do you have everything planned out to the last minute, making sure you squeeze all the value out of your time away as possible?

Or, are you a laid-back vacationer, taking it one day at a time, one moment at a time? Do you not bother to pack until the day before or even the morning you plan to leave? Are you likely to stop along the way to check out the world’s largest ball of twine? Are you happy to simply sit in the shade or on the beach and enjoy reading your newest novel?

You likely fit more into one of the above two patterns. Whatever you’re planning for vacation this year, be sure to be thankful for the rest. God created us for work and rest. He designed life to function this way. The first full day of human existence was a Sabbath, a day of rest. There is a pattern of rest and then work built into how God made us and if we don’t take time to rest, our work suffers.

Resting with our families is a great opportunity to relax and spend time together. Vacations can be opportunities to make lasting memories. Whether you’re taking a staycation or traveling around the world this summer, make the most of it and enjoy the wonderful life God has given us.