Enjoying Your Summer Vacation With (Not From) God

Posted by Uche Akwada, Contributing Writer, on Jun 18, 2023

Enjoying Your Summer Vacation With (Not From) God

Summer is upon us… and it’s got all the makings for some memorable family vacations, epic girls’ trips and well-deserved couples’ getaways. But before we embark on all this summer fun, it is important to know that we can enjoy our vacations with, not away from, God.

I know how much planning and preparation goes into having a memorable time on holiday. The allure of palm trees, white sandy beaches, clear oceans, and majestic mountains can often derail us from prioritizing our relationship with God. But we need to remember that God is not against us enjoying ourselves on holiday; He just wants to be a part of it! As a matter of fact, He encourages us to have fun and enjoy the fruits of our labor (see Ecclesiastes 5:18; Ecclesiastes 9:7; and 1 Corinthians 10:31).

So, the real question isn’t “Where are we going for a getaway?” but “How do we stay connected with God during our memory-making while we’re there?”

I have some recommendations that may help:

1. Switch things around to work with your vacation schedule.

Things can understandably get chaotic on holiday, so it’s okay to switch the timing of your normal routine around. For example, enjoy your quiet times in the evenings if your mornings and afternoons are going to be spent swimming with dolphins, ziplining and restaurant hopping. If you’re a night owl, you might prefer to connect with God before or after lunch.

2. Simplify your time alone with God.

You may find yourself exhausted from market-hopping and enjoying cold margaritas in Mexico, or sunbathing and sightseeing in Santorini. Just know it’s ok to scale back a bit. For example, if you typically spend an hour every morning for quiet devotional time, simplify down to 30 minutes.

This is where technology comes in super handy. Our own Chase Oaks App is a great resource for Bible plans, sermons and articles; it can help you stay in the loop with other Chase Oakers who may also be on vacation while still prioritizing their time with God.

3. Take advantage of pockets of time.

Your vacation may consist of many mornings lounging by the pool or sitting on the balcony enjoying your coffee or breakfast. These are great times to seek out fellowship with God. Put on your favorite praise and worship songs, read a Bible verse /chapter or spend that time in prayer. These moments are most likely going to look different from day to day, so be on the lookout for what each day brings.

Although vacations are wonderful interruptions to the regular rhythms of life, they can also be distractions from a consistent spiritual routine. So, enjoy planning a full evening of bad (or good) karaoke with your friends, or a whole day of embarrassing your kids in that ugly pineapple shirt you insisted on getting for a day of shopping.

The point is this: take your vacation with, not from, God, because He wants to be a part of your work AND your play.

To recap, here are a few of the most important items to add to your holiday packing list:

  1. Your Bible (physical, audio, and digital versions will all work)
  2. Sunscreen
  3. Cute outfits (ugly pineapple shirts not included)
  4. A willingness to make time for God

Our Father delights in every day we make the choice to fellowship with Him—whether that’s at home or away. Have a great summer everyone!


Tags:

Share This:

Recent Stories

Swipe to Discover more

From Struggling to Surrendered: Rhyan's Story

Nov 04, 2024

God has helped high schooler Rhyan grow in her faith and reconnect her family to church after COVID. Read how she went from struggling to fully surrendered teen, here.


Halloween: A Time to Be a Good Neighbor

Oct 18, 2024

Halloween can be a perfect opportunity to be a good neighbor to those who live around us. Check out four fun and easy ideas right here:


How Domestic Violence Impacts Our Community

Oct 14, 2024

Domestic violence is a real, ongoing, but often hidden issue. We need to be aware of its impact on our community and give a voice to the survivors.


Speaking from the Heart: A Family Mission Trip to Casa Hogar Orphanage

Oct 08, 2024

What size impact can a young family have on a short mission trip to a Mexican orphanage when they don't speak the language? A big one, speaking from the heart.


Fasting: The Worst, Best Thing

Sep 25, 2024

If fasting is hard, why do we do it at all? Read more about this challenging—yet rewarding—spiritual discipline, here.


5 Facts To Know About National Hispanic Heritage Month

Sep 15, 2024

It's National Hispanic History Month! Look here for five interesting facts to know about this popular celebration.


College 101: Key Tips To Survive Your First Year

Aug 19, 2024

The first year of college is exciting, but it can also be scary. Here are tips on surviving your first year and dealing with anxiety and stress in college.


The Priess "Cave": A Hangout for Just Guys

Aug 15, 2024

Chase Oaker Steve Priess has a dedicated space for just the guys to enjoy food, watch sports, and hang out. Learn more about his unique "Man-Cave-as-ministry" here.


4 Questions To Help You Say Goodbye to Summer

Aug 12, 2024

Fall is almost here. But before saying "goodbye" to summer, take some time to reflect on the last few months using these 4 simple questions.


10 Questions You Might Be Asking About Joining a Group

Aug 08, 2024

New to groups, or not sure if they're right for you? We get it! Check out answers to 10 common questions you might be asking about joining a group, here.