"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
Vacations are special. They cause change to come into our lives. They cause us to make some rather special decisions. Vacations involve whole families. It doesn't make any difference if the whole family plans to vacation together or plans to vacation at different times. The routine that goes with being together will change.
The special feature of any vacation is the opportunity to see ourselves in a different setting. We will see ourselves as travelers or, perhaps, in an athletic setting, as visitors; as handy persons, and in a number of different ways. Vacation gives us the opportunity to "re-create." Sometimes when a vacation is over, we are tired and need to get back to the old routine for rest. Actually, it is the change that produces rest, not the playing or loafing around.
Vacation time is here. The long awaited rest is needed. Is it possible not to get the rest? There is a way to be sure the vacation will give that needed rest. Remember, Jesus says, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Jesus can make our lives all new everyday. He constantly gives change to those who live in Him. Through faith in Christ Jesus we are given the change that brings rest.
On holiday or vacation we have extra time and opportunity to evaluate ourselves. We can look at our relationship with God. We can look at our relationship with others. We can renew our acceptance of Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. We can reposition His yoke upon us to help us realize that the load is not too heavy. In this way, we can have a restful vacation -- rest for life.
PRAYER: Lord, it's time for holiday or vacation. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Through faith in Jesus I will receive from Your bountiful goodness much needed rest for everyday -- for my vacation. Fill me for Jesus' sake. In His name I ask it. Amen.
(Taken from "Lord, Vacation Time is Here" (out of print), copyright 1977, International Lutheran Laymen's League.)
Today's Bible Readings: Ecclesiastes 10-12 Acts 10:24-48
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