On Vacation!

 by Macy Johnson

“I removed the burden from their shoulders;

their hands were set free from the basket.”

(Psalm 81:6 NIV) 

 

I cradled a cup of coffee in my hands one morning while I enjoyed the birds singing and the water glistening in the sun. Suddenly God spoke to me. He said, “You’re on vacation!” An unexpected peace came over me and I imagined myself sitting on a beach. I realized I had allowed myself to get bogged down with worry - trying to control this and that. He reminded me life is a gift. Every day is a free gift to enjoy in communication with Him.

 

The first thing I did when I sat back down at my computer was to add a task to my calendar, a trigger to remind me every day that I am on vacation in a very real sense. Although retired, I have been acting like I’m employed, assigning myself projects and things to complete, and creating imaginary deadlines in my mind. Just thinking I’m on vacation brought a refreshing turnaround to my attitude!

 

What would I do differently if I was on vacation? Pretty much the same thing I’m doing now, only in an exotic location. So, could I possibly bring up that sensation in the place I am now, wherever I am? I believe so. It is a quiescent mindset.

 

My husband, Jeff, and I watched the movie, “Old” in which a paradise vacation turned bitterly sour. Pristine beaches can turn into cemeteries if your mind is not in the right place. Most of my struggles are my own fault, my own skewed evaluation of what is unfolding before me. God calls me to release all burdens, imaginary and real, to Him and seize this holiday!

 

I will enjoy every moment of this vacation called “life” with Jesus. I hope you will, too!