Reminders for Your Spiritual Journey

 Determined to get her homebody husband to take her on a trip, Irene gave him an ultimatum: “You can either take me on a vacation, or I’m going to send you on a guilt trip.” Beaumont Enterprise, 1/27/2008, p.SC. Some people are reluctant to take vacations and some would like to be on vacation permanently, but somewhere in between are people who try to plan a vacation at least once a year if possible, and those who are denied the possibility of a vacation for a variety of reasons, be it a lack of ability, opportunity, or the necessary funds or time off from work to do so.

For those who have the opportunity, ability, finances and time off, vacations are important for many reasons. They provide time away from normal routines and responsibilities to relax, rest, refresh and regroup and for couples and families it is also a time to reconnect. Some people even take what they call “working vacations” wherein they are busy doing things other than their regular jobs and might use the time to do something at home or somewhere else to accomplish something different than their usual jobs.  For example, they might use the time to catch up on projects they might not have time to attend to at their home, or for someone else.  They might use the time to take a mission trip to do something with or for a charitable organization.  For example, they might work on a building project with Habitat for Humanities.

 The Bible does not explicitly mention modern vacations, but it strongly supports taking time away from work for rest, restoration, and focusing on God. Jesus encouraged his disciples to go to a quiet place and rest. Scripture emphasizes resting to restore the soul, enjoying God’s creation, and spending time with family, rather than endless work. Jesus did not take what we think of as a vacation from His ministry, but He did take times of refreshing. He also ensured that His disciples did the same. At a time when “so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat,” Jesus said to His disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” Mark 6:31. Clearly, if Jesus sought time away, taking needed breaks is a good thing.

Balance is necessary when planning vacations. Rest is a gift! It is a human need. We cannot survive apart from the rhythm of work and rest, as can be seen in our daily requirement for sleep. At the same time, rest is not the purpose of life. We must work as well. Ephesians 5:15–17 says, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”. Clearly, the goal of our lives is not to vacation. But we do need time away from our daily routines in order to receive refreshment from God. God did not design us to work or to minister 24/7, 365 days per year.

The word sensitivity refers to how quickly and easily an individual, organization, company or system is able or willing to respond to outside stimuli. This can be a reaction such as how quickly we get goose bumps or shiver when we feel cold, or how easily we wake up when we hear a baby cry. It can also refer to how and how well we respond to our own needs, and the needs and feelings of others. The late Stephen Covey wrote that in, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey, Miniature Edition, 1989, p.57.

I think what Mr. Covey might have been referring to, is our ability to understand another’s needs, expectations and feelings and what makes them upset and what pleases them. An acute awareness of these attributes helps us coexist with others, no matter what the nature of our relationship, whether at work, school, in an organization, family or personal. A keen awareness of and empathy for how others might react to us and what we say and do can help us know how we should behave and react to avoid conflicts. It can help us plan for how to take actions to protect our own needs and feelings.  It can help us know when or if we should compromise and when to stand up for our own rights and responsibilities.

Empathy and compassion, as well as firm kindness, are important components of sensitivity in any relationship.  Understanding another’s expectations and boundaries helps us navigate any situation. Taking note of the little things goes a long way towards having a peaceful and harmonious life. What are the little (big) things that can help us have a harmonious relationship with God?  What are His expectations and what do we need to be sensitive to?

According to biblical teachings, God primarily desires a loving, personal relationship with us, characterized by faith, obedience, and love for him and others. He wants us to “act justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly”, and follow the example of Jesus Christ. When asked, what is the greatest commandment, Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" Matthew 22:37 also found in Deuteronomy 6:5, Mark 12:30.

God desires that we trust Him, which involves having confidence in His promises and relying on Him. Following God’s ways and turning away from sin is a key expression of love for Him. Walking humbly with God involves acknowledging His authority. Showing mercy means being quick to forgive others. Putting Christ first, practicing gratitude, and caring for those in need are central to fulfilling God's will. God wants us to know Him, to be close to Him, to communicate with Him in prayer and to experience His blessings. Ultimately, God wants us to align our will with His out of love, allowing our hearts to change to desire the same things He does. He sent Jesus to seek and to save us. Praise be to God!

Noah Benshea authored the international best-selling series about Jacob the Baker, who offers sage wisdom as a humble bread maker. Benshea stated, "Do not kiss your children so they will kiss you back, but so they will kiss their children." True legacy spans generations because it's both selfless and timeless. Guideposts, October 2005, p.30.

A person’s legacy is the long-lasting impact of actions and events that took place during that person’s life. As we age and start to come to grips with our own mortality, we can’t help contemplating what our legacy might be. Will we be remembered as a complainer, a grouch, and a self-absorbed looser, or as a happy, generous, and loving spirit who was well liked and appreciated? Will we leave behind evidence of positive accomplishments, or evidence of a miserly fool?

We might think it would be nice to be able to pass down a small fortune to help our children and grandchildren have an easier life, free from financial worries, but we realize that it is even more important to leave behind the knowledge of how to manage their lives well including how to manage physical, emotional and financial hardships. No matter how much money our children might inherit, it will not guarantee their happiness. Instilling a foundation of healthy attitudes and Christian values will serve them much better in the long run.

The Bible defines legacy not as material wealth, but as spiritual influence, character, and godly impact on future generations. This includes passing down faith, living generously, and building a foundation on God’s Word. A lasting legacy is built on prioritizing people and good deeds over temporary earthly achievements.

Proverbs 13:22 says: “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.” This verse emphasizes that a righteous person lives with good management skills, creating a lasting financial and spiritual legacy for future generations, while the wealth amassed by the wicked is eventually transferred to the righteous. It promotes stewardship, long-term planning, and the belief that integrity wins over dishonest gain.

Timothy 4:7-8 features the Apostle Paul’s final reflection: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness..." Written from a Roman prison, Paul expresses confidence in his faithful service and anticipates a reward from God. He has fulfilled his calling and completed his purpose. He remained faithful to the truth and did not abandon his trust in Jesus. Paul anticipates a, reward or prize of eternal life given by God. These verses are often interpreted as a charge to believers to live faithfully until death, focusing on endurance and the hope of heaven.