Talking vacation

How many individuals, friends, or families look forward to taking a vacation to escape the daily grind of work? It’s a time to reset, relax, let your hair down, and enjoy some time off. For many, the excitement comes from visiting a never-before-seen destination, soaking in a new vibe, and creating fresh memories.

Would you believe that taking a vacation has psychological benefits? At the top of the list is less stress. Other benefits include the joy of spending money (which brings a sense of pleasure), more smiles and laughter, increased patience, and overall better mental health. In fact, some individuals and families take more than one vacation each year.

You might be surprised by the statistics on family vacations from last year and years before. It’s no secret that consumers spend billions of dollars annually on travel. Credit cards never sleep, as daily travel continues across the globe. Unlike your regular workday—where the alarm clock is dreaded and routines are draining—vacation lets you drop your guard and finally have fun. You hear phrases like, “Be adventurous!” and “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”

But even while on vacation, we are called to conduct ourselves accordingly. Many find themselves in places they’d never go at home—bars, strip clubs, adult entertainment, or secret relationships—believing that distance excuses disobedience. But distance never hides anything from the Lord.

Matthew 5:14–16 (NIV) "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

As believers, we don’t get a day off from serving the Lord. How can your life glorify the Father in heaven if, while on vacation, you're walking in darkness? We can’t live with a “monkey see, monkey do” mindset just because we’re away from home. Remember, we serve a holy and loving God.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, all glory belongs to Your holy name. We approach Your throne with praise—You alone are worthy, O Lord!  We ask for the power of the Holy Spirit to transform our lives, making us new creations in Christ Jesus. Direct our paths so that we, your children, may be the light that displays good deeds, bringing glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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