vacation is godly

Today I'm back working... in front of me sits a pile of papers and the to do list I completed before vacation, with another list of continuing items that include the next 6 weeks (kid's camp, hosting a mission team, Sunday gatherings, and our annual community BBQ) as well as the next 6 months (direction for fall & winter season, a new growing environment for couples, small groups, gathering cafe, and more...).

I'm excited for the next 6 weeks and months, however, the last 3 weeks was a God-given joy which I'm extremely grateful for; it included the following...

- spontaneous outings with little agenda
- in or near a pool throwing my kids in the air or gently leading them with floaters on
- long dinners with family
- fun days with my kids
- waking up with the only thing our mind being breakfast with no other set agenda after that
- some quiet times to journal or read
- walks with my wife
- walks with my family
- walks alone
- sitting on Lake George listening to old Americana music followed by fire works
- my 1st good steak in a long time
- meeting up with extended family
- driving golf balls into an open field
- working hard at renovating my garage (got the walls up and plastered and the floor painted - it's a fresh room ready to be organized)
- a few naps when needed
- very little shaving (which exposed the white hairs lurking beneath my skin, ouch)
- a full 7 days with no internet or email (very therapeutic)
- a renewed sense that God is in control and the world (or the church) doesn't depend on me
- a renewed sense of the importance of Sabbath, nurturing family relationships (immediate and extended)
- the beauty of saying: I'm on vacation (and it reflecting part of God's plans and purpose for his creation)

Life is beautiful! Thank you Creator of life for the beauty of creation, relationships, rest and rhythm, all for your glory. Now I re-enter another rhythm, also for your glory.