On Vacation

This week I’m with my family, my son’s family, my other son’s family, my daughter’s family, and Eric Simmons’ family at the beach. Yes, that’s a lot of people. And we’re here to rest, read, sing, enjoy fellowship, laugh together, grow in our relationship with God and each other, share meals, and build memories. All for God’s glory.

I’ve realized over the years that if I go on a vacation with the intention of serving myself, I’ll come back less refreshed, and have a "sin-fest" along the way. Believe me, I’ve tried it. I’ve also learned that while WE might take vacations, sin and temptation don’t. My surroundings might change for a week, but my heart will still be drawn to exalt my own preferences, feelings, and opinions.

If my joy increases the more I’m like my Savior, then Philippians 2 tells me that thinking more highly of others is God’s pathway to joy. That truth applies to vacations, too. Vacations are really a unique opportunity for me to express my gratefulness to my family for the gift they are to me. So my prayer is  that this week I will serve them joyfully, encourage them to serve each other joyfully, and celebrate the fact that we can even do this together. I realize, of course, that I’ll fail miserably apart from dependence on the Savior who lives in me by His Spirit.

So I’m taking off from the blog this week. I pray your week is filled with fresh reminders of God’s costly love to you through His Son.