My thoughts about vacations

I love vacations. I think most people do — but not everyone. I was listening to a podcast of a mega church pastor who I really respect. He was talking about how he has a hard time enjoying vacations. He went on to say that it’s difficult for him to get his mind off his job. Frankly, I think that’s really sad. He has a large family. I wonder how they feel about that?

My philosophy is: work hard, play hard. I know it doesn’t say that in the Bible, but it kind of does in so many words.

In the Old Testament, God established the Sabbath for rest but also included several festivals so the people could relax, enjoy good food & drinks, and spend time with each other. God literally had to force people to slow down so they could enjoy life.

My father was an amazing man. He grew up poor and really made something of himself. My sisters and I lived well because Dad worked so hard. The downside is we only took three family vacations in our growing up years. Later on, my dad would tell me how much he regretted not spending more time with the family.

I decided, even before I became a parent, that vacations were going to be a priority for our family. In all the years of raising our children, we missed one vacation. That was the year I planted my first church. Looking back over the years, I have no regrets about the many vacations we took. Would my wife Karen and I be financially more established if we had not gone on all those vacations? Absolutely! However, when our family gets together, we reflect on vacations in Costa Rica, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, and many beautiful places in various states. There were so many beautiful, crazy, hilarious, stressful, and comical moments. No amount of money could replace those memories and experiences. Lord willing, we hope to continue vacationing with family and friends.

I know how my family and I like to vacation — but the question is, how do you like to vacation? And when you vacation, do you find it life-giving or draining? If you don’t enjoy vacations, maybe you’re doing it all wrong. Don’t copy how other people vacation. Design vacations that work for you. Some people like highly structured vacations. You might call those FOMO vacations. Other people, like our family, travel to a destination and for the most part make it up as we go along. I realize that vacationing like that would totally stress some people out — but having a highly structured vacation would not be a life-giving experience for the Bombacis.

The most important thing is: take a vacation, do what works for you, and have the time of your life.

One more thing — be sure to include Jesus in your vacation plans. More time to pray, read, reflect, take walks, and talk about life. Sometimes taking a vacation is the most spiritual thing you can do!

Stay close to Jesus this summer and take a vacation.

Steve