Summer Vacation: Distraction or True Rest

A man once told me that in his younger days, his summer vacations also became a sort of vacation from God. He found that when the distractions of summer (even good ones!) disrupted his normal routine, he felt less connected to God. And this often landed him in trouble – spiritual, emotional, and even physical trouble. 

Of course, he didn’t mean that he was actually separated from God; he understood that in Christ, he and God were one. But he also understood the importance of what Jesus called “abiding” or “dwelling” in God. 

When we abide with Christ, we live with Him. We make our home with Him. We rest in Him. 

It isn’t something we do, so much as a posture of our hearts, of our being. It is in that posture of abiding, of resting, that we experience God’s fullness within us; and then our thoughts, feelings, and actions flow out of that fullness. That is a Spirit-filled life.

Summer has so many good and fun things to offer, that it’s easy to find ourselves spending less and less time abiding with God, and more and more time chasing the next great thing. In a matter of just days, we can go from living Spirit-filled lives to living event-filled, socially-filled, or just plain me-filled lives. 

Now, I want to be clear: there is NOTHING wrong with the fun of summer! We often need a break, a change of scenery, or an adventure to restore us. And God, who is a God of restoration, wants that for us, too! 

But He also wants us to remember that nothing, not even summer vacation, will bring true rest and restoration...unless we’re resting in Him first. And I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to spend the fall picking up the pieces of a summer distracted from God. 

Below you will find four important components of abiding with God and some suggestions to help us do that. And although we’re talking about summer vacation, the fact is, these are applicable year-round, no matter the season. 

Rest isn’t just for vacation! Rest is God’s gift to you. It’s yours, all day, every day, in Christ, our eternal rest. 

Four Components of Abiding with (Resting in) God

#1 Awareness of God’s Presence 

God is closer to us than our own heartbeat. Nothing can separate us from Him. We are one, but sometimes, for various reasons, we are less aware of that oneness. 

• Begin by simply reminding yourself that God is with you right now. Sit in that awareness for a moment. Notice how it makes you feel, without judgement. Just notice.

• If and when you’re comfortable, acknowledge His presence. Say, “Hi.” Then say more if you want. 

#2 Remembering Who God Is 

To abide with someone involves getting to know them. 

• Take a moment to remember that God is Love, and that He is good. You may want to pause and consider the ways God has revealed His love and goodness.

• You can meditate on one of the many ways God reveals himself in scripture: Israel’s Protector, a Mother hen gathering her chicks, the Prodigal Father, etc.

• Spend time considering Jesus, the exact representation of the Father’s being. Who is He? What did He say? How did He act? 

• Ask God to reveal Himself to you through His Spirit. 

#3 Welcoming God’s Love and Action in Your Life 

As you dwell on who God is, your heart will naturally begin to open to Him. All you need to do is let it. 

• As much as you are able, welcome God, His love, and His transformative power in your inner being. This can be as simple as an internal posture of openness, a willingness to let God have His way in you.   

• If words help you, you can say, “God, I welcome your love and action in my heart and mind.” 

#4 Resting in God and His Love

• Rest in His loving presence. There is no striving here. Jesus said, “It is finished” and it is. He is your rest. 

• Stilling your body and mind can be challenging. That’s ok. Don’t fight it. Rest, even from the fight to be still.   

Tools to Help Us

Scripture, Devotionals, Prayer, and Meditation

While reading scripture and devotionals, praying, or meditating, are not what keeps us close to God (God does that!), they can help us turn our attention toward God. Practice at least one of them as part of your daily routine, even during vacation. Digital apps such as Lectio 365 or the Bible app are handy tools to help you maintain a daily practice while on vacation. Going off the grid? Have a pocket devotional, bible and/or journal to carry with you. And remember, you can pray or meditate anytime, anywhere! 

Community

One thing that often drops off dramatically in summer is our time spent in Christian community. We may miss church services more often and many regular community groups (like Bible studies, life groups, house church, etc) take a break for summer. So make a point to connect with people who help you stay connected to God. Go for a walk or grab coffee with a friend. Run errands or work on a project together. Or schedule a phone or video call. 

Nature, Music, Adventure....and Whatever Works!

Other less “spiritual” seeming activities can also turn our attention to God. These might include spending time in nature, listening to music, hanging out with friends, journaling, working with your hands, and so on. There is no limit to the ways God can reveal Himself to us- whether at work, or home, or on vacation. So if you experience God best while hiking, or sailing, or gardening, or scrapbooking – whatever helps you see the face of God – do it!

Whether we choose a high-octane summer of concerts and jet-skis, or a low octane summer of hammocks and good books, or a normal summer with normal routines - He's right there. All the time. All we have to do is pay attention. 

And as we abide with Him, as we,

Pay attention Remember who He is Welcome Him Rest in Him

we will begin to experience true rest and refreshment. And as our thoughts and actions begin to flow from that rest, we can live a Spirit-filled summer, a Spirit-filled life.