Once you get the travel bug, you know that the question, “Where to next” pops up all the time. There’s an endless stream of websites offering incredible views of all of the destinations you could visit for the next family vacation. It can be overwhelming and exhilarating all at the same time.
Some of us take vacations to experience new things. Some do it looking for quality family time. Some may travel to take that once-in-a-lifetime photo to share with their friends how awesome they are. But, deep down, I think a lot of us take vacations because we are desperately seeking rest.
A tour we think you'll love
Ah…rest…that elusive idea that we can finally take a break from the craziness of life and relax for a minute. Our lives are increasingly restless. If you took a look at pretty much anyone’s calendar, you’d know that there is very little rest for the weary—from running kids to work or soccer practice or school, to getting the groceries to feed the family, to volunteering at church or other non-profits—our lives are busy…and often restless.
This is why vacations are important to us.
But what if a vacation doesn’t give you true rest? Have you been there? The last day of vacation and you’re more tired than you were before? Do you feel the need to take a vacation from your vacation?
What if I told you that true rest isn’t to be found on vacation? It seems kind of silly for a travel company to write that. We want you to take vacations because we believe in the power of getting away and engaging with your family, but vacation and every day should be a time to connect with our Creator. What if vacations were more than just an opportunity to unplug from life’s stress and became a way to plug into the source of rest?
Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”
When we feel weary, Jesus invites us to come to Him. He invites us to actually TAKE HIS YOKE, or give Him our burden in exchange for His, in order to find rest for our souls.
You see, rest doesn’t come from the “next great destination.” It comes from the daily presence of Christ in your life. The tiredness in your soul that you can’t seem to shake, even with the best vacation, comes from a restlessness that only Jesus can relieve. When we seek His presence as our next great destination, we find the rest that we desire. The Bible reminds us,
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
So this year, as you plan out your vacations and times away, plan your time to revolve around the true destination that will give you rest. Spend time with Him, talk with Him, listen to Him, and enjoy a rest that will help you beyond what any vacation ever could.
