Everyone needs a little rest and relaxation. A time to de-stress and decompress from the daily rat race in which we live. I would say for most people summer vacation is the perfect time to do just that. We plan most of the year for those precious few weeks when we are free from the hustle and bustle that often clouds are bodies, minds, and spirits.
Well, just a couple of weeks ago my husband and I planned our little get-away! We were so excited! My parents offered to come in from out of state to take care of our daughter while we left for some much needed R and R. Just the two of us have not been on a vacation since our honeymoon seven years ago, and with a second baby soon to be in tow we were in much need of a little rest!
I think I was the most excited. No diaper duty, housework, cooking, or errands to run. I just had to worry about myself. I could shower and blow dry my hair without a little person clinging to my legs and whining to “pick me up.” And best of all I was going to get a hot meal. Joy and Bliss! After having children it’s the small things in life that bring the greatest joy.
Well, the night before our big departure had arrived, my husband was out with some friends road cycling. I put our daughter to bed and began to pack for our three-day, two-night heaven-sent trip. I was busy picking out my clothes and putting them in the suitcase when I glanced at the clock and noticed it was getting late and my husband wasn’t home yet. That’s odd I thought; he usually is home much earlier. Then came the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, something had happened. I immediately called his cell phone, and sure enough, there had been an accident and my husband had been the victim. He had crashed and fallen down a six-foot embankment. He couldn’t move his arm, was having difficulty breathing, and felt very light-headed! Can you believe he drove himself home?
When he walked in our front door, I knew the situation was bad! He looked like he had been in a brawl. I decided maybe we should go to the emergency room to get him examined. So, instead of packing for our trip, we packed up and went to the hospital. After a four-and-a-half-hour wait at the emergency room, the doctor declared no broken bones and gave my husband several prescriptions for pain medicine, a sling, a referral for an orthopedic exam, and back home we went.
It’s now 2:30 a.m., the packing is only half done, my husband is fast asleep thanks to some medication, and I’m dreading the 6:00 a.m. wake-up call from our daughter. Not to mention I’m only a few weeks from my due date and my parents were kind enough to drive all night long so that we could leave first thing in the morning for our much-needed trip. Needless to say, we did not leave for our trip until late that afternoon.
We finally arrived at our destination. I was tired and cranky but trying to keep a positive outlook. My husband was definitely cranky; but he was in pain, so I tolerated it. Within a matter of about an hour after arriving, it started to rain. And it continued to rain the entire time until the very last day. As we were driving away the sun peeped through the clouds as if to say good-bye. Despite all the drama that surrounded our trip, I did get some much-needed rest and relaxation. I got my hot meals and my time away from the daily grind which greatly benefited me. And my husband definitely got some rest; and thanks to God he is doing much better, although he is still in some pain.
You know God offers rest to us too. He offers a daily rest where we can come to Him and lay down all of our stress and worries. We can kick off our shoes and get some much-needed R and R by just turning our lives over to Him. The Bible states, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
So, as you enjoy your summer vacations remember that this life can only offer a temporary relief from the daily woes, but God can give you rest and relaxation that will last you all of eternity.
