The Vacation Equation

photo courtesy of Cindy Sproles
Photo courtesy of Cindy Sproles
Photo courtesy of Cindy Sproles

A crowded South Carolina beach was usually part of what I referred to as the vacation equation. When our children were young, July was always the month we took our family vacation. And it was always the beach.

We had a pop-up camper, a deluxe model for that time period, and the children looked forward to packing for the trip. They worked on getting their books, crayons, and favorite toys together. Fun things.

I, on the other hand, had to do laundry, pre-cook meals, wash the camper linens, pack the suitcases, and buy new swimsuits and sandals besides working full-time. All this hustle and bustle left me worn out before our car left the driveway.

As my chipper husband and two excited children climbed into the station wagon, I folded myself into the car emitting a weary sigh.

By time the vacation was over, although I had immensely enjoyed the family time, the sun and the waves, I was more tired than when we left home. Do I get an “Amen, sister” from any of you readers?

I did learn a lot over the years about how to make the vacation go smoothly and be less work for me so that I was more relaxed when we returned home. I found out that things did not have to be perfect and sandwiches and fruit were wonderful meals in a vacation setting.

In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, “I will give you rest.” What does He mean by that sweet and encouraging verse? I believe it means Jesus will refresh us when we grow weary. My husband and I have been in the ministry for close to fifty years; we sometimes grew weary in the work, but never of the work. Vacation time allowed us to be refreshed and ready again to minister to our beloved church family.  DSC_0115

I’ve found that sitting at Jesus’ feet has to be a part of my vacation equation. A source of rest for all of us is found in being still and knowing within His presence. Everyone needs days off from work and vacations but they can only offer us short-term rest and peace. The worries of this world will flood our lives as soon as we pick up a newspaper or listen to a newscast.

Dear to this mother’s heart was having my children fall asleep upon my chest as I listened to their gentle breathing; they felt safe and fully trusted in me.

In times of stress and weariness do the same, lay your head down on the Lord’s
chest . . .remember His words, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, I will give you rest.”

Enjoy your vacation with the family. Don’t fret. Things don’t have to be perfect to soak in the joys of family time.

Lord, let us find our rest in the knowledge of You. Grant us peace and quiet for our souls in the midst of this busy life.

Dee Dee Parker

Dee Dee Parker infuses wisps of Southern grace throughout both her writing and speaking. She is the author of a children’s book, Josie Jo’s Got to Know. She has contributed to numerous anthologies, such as Chicken Soup for the Soul, God’s Provision for Tough Times and Clothes Lines. Dee Dee writes for Christian Devotions US, Guidepost books as well as Focus On the Family’s Clubhouse Jr. magazine. Her first Christmas novella has landed in the hands of her agent. Dee Dee lives snuggled among the NC Appalachian Mountains with her husband Jim, a retired minister, and their spoiled snoodle, Greta. Email Dee Dee at deedeeparker@charter.net

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8 comments

    1. Thank you for taking the time to comment, Lee. I am so thankful I learned this lesson while my children were small. I am also thankful that I learned the Lord is the source of true rest.

  1. Making prayer a key focus on our vacation equation is so profound. As a fellow minister’s wife, I have have been guilty of arriving at my vacation so utterly exhausted and depleted that even my prayer/ quiet time with the Lord slipped. Thank-you Dee Dee for this timely reminder.

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