The Love Of God Takes A Vacation ... by Melissa Henderson

Wait... what is the title? Am I suggesting that God needs a vacation? No way. God is with us always. Every day and night, God is present. The love of God is with us in every moment. When we are able to take a trip or vacation, the love of God doesn’t stay at home. The love and compassion that God wants us to share go with us to every place we visit. From the tall mountains to the ocean waves, to the rolling hills, and beyond, we find God.

Vacation time can be wanted and needed. Time to rest our weary bodies and minds. Time to relax with family and friends. Think about vacations you and your family have enjoyed. Was there a time of laughter? A time of remembrance? A peaceful time of reflection? Were there funny and unexpected situations? Perhaps the vacation didn’t unfold as you wanted but turned out better than expected.

While planning for vacations, I have created numerous lists. The seemingly unending list includes medicines, clothes for all temperatures, pajamas, extra snacks, bottled water, books to read, and more. Does that look familiar? Have you compiled lists for your vacation?

One important part of vacation is knowing that wherever we go, whether far away or nearby, we have the opportunity to share God’s love. My husband and I have helped with mission projects that allowed us to visit other cities. While we did not consider those trips a vacation, we could enjoy sights and sounds from areas we had not visited in the past. We were able to learn about different communities and the people who live in those locations.

While on vacation, my husband and I often stay at a hotel. From the moment we arrive at the front desk, we greet everyone with a smile. This sets the tone for the stay. Whether we eat breakfast at the hotel or eat at a local restaurant, we greet everyone with smiles and a “hello”. This is a simple way to share the love of God. Another way to share God’s love is to leave a note and a tip for the housekeeper. We appreciate the way our room is cleaned and fresh towels provided each day.

Asking for a “vacation day” at work doesn’t always mean we are taking a trip solely for pleasure. Sometimes our trips are focused on others and not ourselves. When the vacation includes a mission trip, the love of God is found in the people we help, the other volunteers we meet, and in the prayers and worship before, during, and after the mission. Helping build houses, cleaning buildings to prepare for specific ministries, ringing a bell, removing trash along highways, sharing conversation with youth, and various other opportunities provide ways to lead others to Christ.

Yes, I enjoy relaxing vacations of tickling my toes in the ocean, viewing waterfalls, watching a car race, visiting family, and learning about the townspeople and the history of various locations. During each time of vacation, there are moments when the Bible can be read, a time of peace and quiet can bring renewal and relaxation, and the reminder that God never puts us aside so He can enjoy time away. God goes before us, behind us, and He is with us.

During your next vacation, remember to thank God for the special time. Whether you are helping others through hard labor, or sitting beside the pool, or listening to the ocean waves in the distance, or simply saying “hello”, know that God guides you and accompanies you on every vacation.

Can you think of ways to share God’s love while you are on a vacation?

Blessings, Melissa

Award-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages laced with a bit of humor. With stories in books, magazines, devotionals and more, Melissa hopes to encourage readers. Melissa is the author of “Licky the Lizard” and “Grumpy the Gator”. Her passions are helping in community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon and Stephen Minister. Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com

Click on the book covers to purchase Melissa’s books. We are proud owners of both books. Karen & Craig Ruhl