I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest!” – Psalm 55:6
This is not going to be a typical post for me. No. Because I’m tired. And as I look at my calendar, I realize I’ll be in overdrive till July. I’ll be another year older then, and I’d like to have more memories of this past year than work. And that thought makes me more tired.
A word popped into my head the other day. It’s a foreign word, at least to me, because it’s one I don’t say or act upon very often. The word – wait for it – is vacation. I started thinking about that whole vacation concept, that thing other people enjoy, and I thought, “That sounds really fun. I need that. My husband needs that. My son needs that. We need that. Let’s do that.” I’m pretty sure that’s an exact representation of my thought processes right now because my exhausted neurons are barely firing.
How Long Has it Been?
It’s been two years since my husband and I took what was billed as a four-day, three-night cruise. (If you’ve had a cruise, you know how cruise lines define four days.) It’s been three years since we had a family vacation – the trip when I discovered the wonders of snow tubing.
Our lives are filled with responsibilities – work, family, extended family, household chores – and time off is mostly used to catch up on those responsibilities that get most neglected when tending to the rest. All work, no play has made Cheri a dull girl. I won’t say that of my husband because it’s almost Valentine’s Day, so I must be nice.
Then as I start reflecting on vacation venues, I remember my dietary requirements. I have celiac disease and must eat gluten-free. And I remember I want to go somewhere that looks nothing like Florida. So I’m thinking I’ll go to a place where people embrace fad diets and where I’ll find a change of pace and a change of terrain.
An Epiphany
New England. Harbor towns. Mountain trails. Whale watching. Seafood platters. Yes.
The very thought of it refreshes and excites me. I have given myself and my family something to look forward to, and that is a precious gift.
Life is about more than enduring. It’s about cherishing. God created a world for us to enjoy. He gave us, as creatures created in His image, the unique capacity to perceive and appreciate the grandeur of His creation.
He gave us people to love and moments to share. He gave us time, that fleeting vapor, to explore and celebrate the temporal gifts we have in this life. He gave us joy and peace and, yes, rest. He gave us life, and He intended for us to live it.
I’m lecturing myself, and I suspect I’ll have to lecture myself again, especially as I deal with my pragmatic side. But I must live or something within me will die. That’s not an option. A New England vacation is.
Time to Enjoy Full and Abundant Life
So help me figure out how to make this happen. What are your favorite summertime venues and activities in New England? What gluten-free restaurants or inns can you recommend? It’s high time this overachiever takes God up on that full and abundant life He offers. And maybe I shouldn’t wait till I visit New England.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. – John 10:10
Funny! I just this morning on the tennis court, heard the words come out of my own mouth, I’m bored!
Maybe someday I’ll be there, Dennis!
If you remember Cheri, I lived in New England when Tammy and I were first married. I would recommend Maine. Start at Bar Harbor, whale watching on the schooner ships, lunch in the open air restaurant over looking the Harbor. Then head north on the coast to the “down east” area and pick a town, any town they are all beautiful. Arcadia National Park is stunning. Just check for the black fly season and avoid this time.
That sounds so perfect, Dan! Thanks!