Vacation

I just came back from the remarkable Outer Banks, North Carolina. My wife and I spent a week there with 4 other couples in a house in Rodanthe. (No it was not the same house as in the movie, Nights of Rodanthe). But it was a great place. From our house we could see the ocean and the Bay. It was absolutely beautiful every morning and every night.

I spent my time laying on the beach and by the pool (and I sunburnt). I played two rounds of golf (you do not want to know the score because it was bad). I read and spent time in peace in quiet (basically accomplishing nothing). Really i did nothing of great substance, although Michell (my wife) did go deep sea fishing and caught some fish.

In all one might say, "so, your vacation consisted of a sunburn, two poorly played rounds of golf, and lazing around doing little. What a waste of time. Yes, it was. For me it was a "Royal Waste of Time." By the way, I owe the phrase, "Royal Waste of Time" to author and theologian, Marva Dawn. In her book, she helps us to see the importance of rest and time away with God.

Let me tell you. I came home with the glow of God sunburnt all over my chest and head. I came home having played two marvelous rounds of golf where I had nothing to be stressed about and had only to enjoy the day the Lord had made. I came home having refreshed through putting my feet up, listening to music, and reading the History Books of the Old Testament. Wasting all that time was the best use of my time I can say I had in a long time.

One of my parishoners emailed me on Monday, two days after returning from vacation. She said she hopes that I go away more often. The reason ... in her estimation worship and the preaching event were fresher than they have been in a while. She reminds me of the importance of Royally wasting my time in the presence of God and with good friends. My spirit is refreshed.

And I am glad. Yesterday ended up being a 13 hour day in the office. Many people came to me in need. But the good news is that God prepared me for it.

I hope you can soon waste some of your time away getting refreshed by the living God.