I returned to work yesterday, after taking last week off for 7-days of “glamping” at the Rogue River between Grants Pass & Medford. Our family had a wonderful time together, though we stayed in bathing suits & tank tops most of the time in the heat – it was 108 for two of the days we were there…the trailer’s AC saved us! BTW McKenzie already told me that my outfit didn’t match, so don’t bother.
Coming back from vacation is always a mixed-bag. For me, trips away from home are opportunities for much-needed R&R, extended exercise, and uninterrupted family time. To-do-lists are forgotten, my iPhone is forgotten, and my watch is removed. It’s wonderful.
That being said, my heart is usually ready to delve into the next challenge upon my return. This time, it’s a lot of introspection. First, Marina and I are really convicted that our lives are too busy & complex to maintain sanity. Generally, we’ve been saying “yes” to too many good things….and consequently not having enough time & energy for the people & activities that are best. Second, I see that I’ve been straining to do too much in my work. The public service and ministry scope of Catalyst has become quite large in the past year, and I’m realizing more & more how difficult it is for me to adapt in order to stay out of God’s way. Both of these realizations are recurring themes for me….it’s so frustrating! Why can’t I just learn a lesson once and then “have it” in me from then on? Have you ever felt like that?
Sometimes vacation gives us a break so that we can return with renewed strength to work harder…..but this one was about remembering the sanctity and necessity of REST, and the overarching value of keeping first things first. God, Family, Friends. As my dad always says: Relationships really are the most important thing in life. These words of Jesus come to mind:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” Matthew 11:28-30
