‘Family vacation.’ The words conjure up images of lazy days at the lakeshore, campfires with roasted marshmallows, sleepy kids sharing rooms. Road trips full of car games and laughter, stops at quirky gas stations and just the right snacks. Sightseeing and creating memories – enough for a lifetime.
Often those sweet pictures in our head don’t quite match up with the reality of a family vacation. Vacations can be stressful, taking us out of well-developed routines and throwing us at the mercy of compromise. Our kids may spend the trip bickering and scowling, or overtired and cranky. Those well-placed gas stations you imagined might be too little (and sometimes show up too late). Delicate family situations or resurfacing disagreements can put a damper on fun.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
As the mom to three kids age four and under, I SO understand that there are moments on vacation when you are not giving thanks, joy is hard-pressed, and prayer may not be what’s being muttered under your breath. But friends, God is right there with you!
Does that mean your vacation will be perfect? Probably not. Does that mean there will be golden moments of beauty mixed right into the chaos that follows your family? You bet!
With open hearts and an open road, let’s share the love of Christ to all those whom we encounter, not forgetting to include our family among them.
Dear Lord,
Please bless this time of vacation. Help my family to get along, to enjoy one another. Maybe toss a couple of those idyllic imagined scenes into our path?
May we be able to see the wonder You instill within the chaos of our days – whether we vacation near or far away from home.
On this everyday, normal day that’s somehow still outside of our regular routine, help me to embrace my family, this time of vacation, and the ordinary yet extraordinary gifts You’ve given. Open my eyes to see that vacation will end but the memories of it will remain, and give me the strength to make them sweet. Pour some of that strength into my very being and bring me through to the end of vacation with a thankful heart and unceasing praise. Amen.
by Anna @ DaySpring
