Thoughts On Vacation

1. Once you have kids, vacation is hard and work...but an opportunity like no other to die to SELF, grow in grace, and practice contentment. A few days before vacation was to begin, I confessed to my mom that my attitude wasn't right. I was struggling--getting bogged down by all the preparation, anticipating a week that was more work than relaxation, and having a martyr mentality. I knew that Pete would be gone 2 nights and 2 days, and remembering the previous two beach vacations in which our children didn't sleep, suffice it to say my head wasn't in the game. THANKFULLY, this past week was nothing like the past 2 times! The big difference was that Natalia was older and Adam napped every day and slept through most nights. That meant I got a solid hour or more every afternoon to get cleaned up and relax. Thank you, Jesus, for answering that desire of my heart and providing time to rejuvenate.

2. Many hands make the work load lighter, even if it gets complicated. I love the planning part of vacation. I truly do. It's a sickness. :-) Even moreso, I love the way my family works together. Eager to serve one another. Easy to please. There may be alot of cooks in the kitchen, but no one person carries the load. The kids fight, it's noisy, our heads are rattling...but we love being together.

3. Vacations are a privilege. When I was growing up we didn't really go on vacations other than a weekend camping or going to the humble little hunting cabin my grandfather owned. My husband's family didn't go on costly trips either. It's only been since my teen years that my family has taken a bigger vacation occasionally. And even now, we plan a beach vacation every 2 years, and go before peak season starts. It's just too expensive otherwise.

I am grateful for the sober way in which my family weighs the monetary cost of such things. I believe there is wisdom in it. I think it is challenging for my generation and those younger NOT to assume that they should be able to enjoy the standard of living that many of our parents are only now being able to afford. Not all of our peers are in the same financial boat as Pete and I, but no matter what your household earns in a year, entitlement is the deeper issue. We have been talking about this a lot lately and asking God to show us how to teach our children along these lines.

4. Time away is good...but coming home is better. Everyone needs a break every now and then. Time to rejuvenate, to be refreshed. And how that happens for each person is different.

My husband tends to be reserved in public, but is energized by being around people and going places. I am generally friendly in public, but am energized by being alone and doing quiet things.

Needless to say, these characteristics tend to clash when we're vacationing. :-)

BUT, this past week they didn't, and I'm still trying to figure out how that happened! Even if that mystery is never solved, I'm just thankful we both came home rejuvenated. Another answer to prayer!

NOTES TO SELF:
1. FRACTURED PRUNE (hot, hand-dipped doughnuts originating in Lancaster) is now in OC, NJ! A comparison taste test between DOT's and F.P. is needed!
2. Dry-wicking capris and a running tank are very favorable beach attire--when you don't get in the water past your knees, who needs a bathing suit?!
3. Taking a book to read out on the beach is only frustrating. Instead, play with your kids in the sand and read when they're asleep.
4. Take dump trucks. They are the best sand toys!