Vacation Season

I have lost the original source of this article. When I came across it today in my files, I decided to post it. What can we do to make summer vacation season count for ourselves and the Lord?

“A church leader once approached Vance Havner, a famous Baptist preacher, concerned that Dr. Havner was taking two months off that summer. “Don't you realize that the devil never takes a vacation?” The witty preacher replied, “Yes, but who, dear sir, wants to be like the devil?”

Jesus told His disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mk. 6:31). We, too, must have regular rest, refreshment, and reflection if we hope to maximize our faithfulness and fruitfulness. I believe the right vacation offers a custom-made opportunity to experience these things.

The kind of vacation I'm talking about, however, is not one in which you spend a week frantically sprinting from one tourist attraction to the next; “Disneyland” vacations will not facilitate soul rest. But if you're willing to escape to a place where you have freedom to relax, a low-key vacation can accomplish these seven purposes.

1. Rest. Most of us need to slow down. Chronic exhaustion shortens our tempers, undermines our relationships, and increases the likelihood of bad decisions. A vacation can recharge our batteries, providing the physical and spiritual rest our bodies and souls crave.

2. Gratitude. Vacations can also foster thankfulness. After each phase of creation, God stopped and observed, “It is good” (Genesis 1). We can pause during vacation and recall the good things God has done. On my vacations, I write a “thankfulness list” to help me see all of the ways He has been at work.

3. Reflection. Restful vacations help us evaluate our priorities and commitments. Jesus frequently withdrew from the crowds to be alone with God and to pray (Mk. 1:35, Lk. 5:16). We also need to retreat from our routines to reflect on where we've been and where we're going.

4. Relationships. Vacations can renew our primary relationships with family and friends. Sometimes we need time away to get an objective perspective on how we're relating to the people closest to us. Then we can return to everyday life with our most important relationships in balance.

5. Grace. Vacations remind us that we live by grace. We may know that salvation comes from God's grace alone, but we often fall prey to the temptation to live by works. Slowing down can be uncomfortable for those of us who are works-oriented; we find it tough to receive God's love on days we don't accomplish anything more than a snooze in the shade. But we need these times to remember that our work is not the only thing that matters.

6. Refocusing. A break from our normal way of life offers us a chance to reacquaint ourselves with spiritual disciplines we've disregarded—or to initiate new ones. For example, my vacations have reignited a desire to journal. Perhaps yours will jump-start your Bible reading, intercessory prayer, or Scripture memorization.

7. Imitation. By taking a break, we follow God's example. He rested after six days of creative labor and instructed us to imitate Him (Ex. 20:8–11). The Sabbath commandment teaches us to rest from our normal routines before we return to the work God has given us.

A Boston travel agency attracts customers with the clever slogan “Please—Go Away.” If we want long-term spiritual health, I think this is sound advice. Regular, restful vacations clear the haze from our heads, provide fresh perspective on our priorities, and reenergize our passion for pursuing God.