Vacation and Lasting Memories

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭19‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It's that time of year again! Vacation season is in full swing. Bbq’s, beach trips, boat rides and everything else in life that we love. Get out and see God's beautiful creation.

Think back to your childhood. When your parents announced that you would be going on a trip. Do you remember the feeling of excitement that rushed over you? I know as a kid if my parents told me that we were going to the beach I couldn’t sleep the same until we made it back home and the fun was over. I would pack my bags a month ahead in anticipation. My daughter is the same way. I make sure that I don’t tell my kids until a week out that we are going out of town because that’s all you hear and that’s all they can think about. 

I love that. That rush of dopamine that comes just from knowing I get to be with the people that I love and make lasting memories with them. One of my favorite memories is sitting on the beach watching the sun rise, with coffee and my bible reading and talking with my wife. I think that is the closest that I have ever been to Heaven while still on earth. 

Why is it that we have to get away from our home to relax? I am on a mission to change that. Lately I have been sitting outside on my deck and watching the sun come up and spending that first part of the day just fixating on God's wonder and the beautiful things that he gave us to enjoy. We will always be chasing the next dollar or the next big idea but how many sunrises and sunsets do we get that we share with our wife? How many days are left watching our kids faces filled with laughter spending time with their family. 

I challenge you and myself

Don’t just let yourself relax and enjoy your family 2-3 times a year. Stop, put your work down. Go on the hike, take the spontaneous trip to the park. Enjoy God's creation in every moment that you can. This life is but a vapor… don’t let it pass you by. 

Prayer

Father, I thank you for the beauty all around me. Thank you for everything that I take for granted. Thank you for the eyes to see and skin that feels the sun's warm rays. Thank you for a family to enjoy your creation with. Help me to not be so focused on the day to day task and responsibilities of life and help me to stop and smell the roses. Help me to actually unplug and spend quality time with you and with my family. Help me to find peace in your presence and not feel guilt for not working. I know that you provide all things and my striving day to day is like chasing after the wind. Please continue to fill my mind with memories of laughter and family. 

In Jesus mighty and majestic name I pray, Amen.