Vacationing

I didn’t check this out in the Oxford English Dictionary, but I’m pretty sure that the word vacation has the same root as the word vacate. Vacation, then meaning, to leave, to get out of Dodge, to leave the world behind.

But I’ve always thought of vacations differently. I’ve thought of vacations as a time to reenergize and renew myself, to explore and learn something new about the world, to launch into new ventures and see or discover something that I’ve never known before.
I suppose vacations can just be a time to get away, but I prefer that they be a time of adventure and intrigue.

This year Sharon and I will head to the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Ontario to take in some plays and relax in the cool Canadian air. Then we plan to visit family and catch up with those who live so far (too far) away. But we will also plan some excursions around our “family catch-ups” and see something new, interesting, and revitalizing.

Yes, vacation for the sake of vacation is also good. Just to rest and get away from the daily grind of life is always good.

But I also hope you will use your vacation to explore God’s magnificent creation, or learn about ancient cultures and civilizations that have shaped us, or simply to marvel in dialogue that has fascinated people for more than 500 years.

Yes, vacate. Get lost in the world, leave work behind. But also explore and enrich your lives.

If you ever feel like you need a vacation from your vacation, then you are singing my favorite song.

Traveling mercies,

Pastor John D. Morris, Senior Pastor