Time for a Vacation

My wife and I have been planning where we would like to go on vacation this year. I have some advertisements here for some great vacation spots. Look at this one! it would be great fun to take an ocean cruise on a ship like that, wouldn't it? The ship has a movie theater, a library, and there are a lot of games and activities. I could just relax on the deck or go for a refreshing swim in the pool. I would like that.

Or how about this resort up in the mountains? It would be great to relax and enjoy the cool mountain air and get away from our hot summer sun for a few days. I could take a hike in the woods or go fishing in a mountain stream. That would be fun. Yes, I am really looking forward to my vacation.

Did you know that Jesus taught his disciples that it was important for them to take a vacation? Jesus' disciples traveled from town to town telling others about God and His love for them. They traveled every day preaching, teaching, and healing the sick. They worked so hard that they often didn't even have time to stop to eat or sleep. They became very tired.

When Jesus saw how tired they were, he said to them, "Come with me to a quiet place and get some rest." The Bible then says, "So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place." I think it is important to notice a couple of things about what the Bible says.

First, Jesus said, "Come with me." When we take a vacation, we need to remember to take Jesus with us. Some people never give Jesus a thought when they go on vacation. We should include Jesus in all that we do, even when we are on vacation.

Second, the Bible says the disciples went away to a quiet place. Their main purpose was to rest and renew their strength. Some people plan a vacation that is so full of activities that when they come home, they are more tired than when they left!

I hope that you have a great summer vacation. Don't forget to take Jesus with you, and don't forget to set aside some time for rest and relaxation. Then come back home refreshed and renewed!

Dear Lord, thank you for vacation time when we can rest and renew our strength. Help us to remember to include you in everything we do. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.