Vacationing with God
I was on a Marco Polo chat with a friend who is in Italy for four weeks and this friend is so good about being very present where she lives and seeing God in the people and opportunities around her.
I had a thought and it was so much easier for me to say to her than to believe it myself. That is, until I decided to flesh it out in this letter to you and believe it for myself, my summer, and my upcoming vacations.
Let us take God on vacation.
That’s not entirely accurate.
He is always with us, so this most definitely includes tropical islands, cabins in the woods, hotels, short term rentals, and all modes of transportation.
But if you’re anything like me, you enjoy the packing and preparing as much as the trip itself, bring a digital version of your Bible and you’re off.
Where is God when you’re on vacation?
What would it look like to vacation with God?
I believe your next vacation could be your best vacation yet as you consider these 2 things:
God probably has people He wants you to meet.
God definitely has something fresh for you out of your normal routine.
It’s completely understandable to go on vacation to get away from people! I am not suggesting that you hold church services on the beach or round up a few people in the lobby for a Bible study, but what I suggest is opening your day up to letting God lead you Into potentially fun, unique and magical conversations and opportunities.
I share the story in Translating Jesus about Ben and I being in Maui and observing turtles from a cliff looking down below. We engaged in conversation with three other tourists. To our surprise, we knew one of the young ladies! Keep in mind that we live in California, she lives in Texas, we knew each other in Alabama, and we were currently in Hawaii. This was a moment on our vacation that we will never forget! We saw God at work as He orchestrated our steps to be at the same place at the same time in this divine conversation.
Give it a try.
Strike up a conversation at a restaurant or while standing in line. It’s OK if the conversation falls flat. This also takes practice. Don’t judge yourself or others based off conversation attempts. Be light-hearted and open minded as you initially engage and let God guide you. You’ll get better with practice. The people you talk to will feel seen and loved. And I guarantee God has surprises for those of us who believe God wants to use us to be a blessing to someone, yes, especially on vacation.
I’m guessing you go on vacation to get away from your normal routine. If not, feel free to stop reading! I reference this quote all the time, “a change of place plus a change of pace equals a change of perspective.” It’s so true. Being in a different place and on a different schedule, afford us fresh eyes and vision.
The question is will we allow ourselves to see this refreshment as a gift from God?
And if it’s a gift from God, how will we receive it?
How might God use a day on the beach to teach you about His vast love?
How might you look for Jesus among the crowds in the city, along the sidewalks, at cafes and campgrounds?
How might the Holy Spirit get your attention for a new idea, a dream, an untapped emotion, a discovery?
Psalm 27:8 says, “You have said, ‘Seek My face.” My heart says to You, ‘Your face, LORD, do I seek.”
Here’s how I read this:
God: Come!
Me: I’m coming!
Go into your next vacation with this prayer:
God, what do you want to show me on vacation? Come with me. Awake my soul. Clear my vision. Fill me with joy in Your presence. Guide me back home refreshed and with a renewed sense of purpose. I will be looking for You!
Enjoy your next vacation with God!
God probably has people He wants you to meet.
God definitely has something fresh for you out of your normal routine.