Wednesday, January 29, 2025 A Vacation From Vacation
January 29, 2025
A Vacation from the Vacation
“At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah. At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them.”
Luke 4:40-43
When you take a vacation, are you the type that likes a good adventure or do you seek relaxation and an escape from a rushed everyday world? I have to admit, for most of my life, I’ve been the adventurer type. I’d pack our family’s days with every exciting activity I could find. We’d return home late Sunday night, just in time to unpack and dive back into work and school the next morning with big smiles on our faces…(or something like that).
But after telling my colleagues about our whirlwind trips, I’d often hear, “Sounds like you need a vacation from your vacation!” “Are you kidding me?” I’d think, proud of all we’d crammed into the trip. Yet, coming home to piles of chores and exhaustion made me wonder if maybe they had a point.
In today’s reading, Jesus spends hustle-bustle days in Capernaum healing the sick and helping the crowds. Throngs of people surround him, wanting healing and a glimpse of his miracles. But then, Jesus does something profound – he slips away for a moment of calm retreat and prayer at a “solitary place”.
This past summer, my wife and I decided we would try something different for a family vacation: we booked a cabin for a week with no agenda. The kids played outside, we read books, and we went for hikes. And I have to say – it was a glorious shift of pace.
Jesus’ example reminds us that even amidst life’s demands, we need moments of calm to rest, pray, and refocus. Sometimes, the most refreshing thing we can do is step away, be still, and connect with God.
Reflect: When was the last time you intentionally created space for rest and prayer?
How can you find moments of solitude this week to reconnect with God and recharge your spirit?
Pray: Gracious God, thank You for showing us the importance of rest and connection with You. Help us to step away from the busyness of life and find moments of solitude to pray, recharge, and refocus. Teach us to trust that rest isn’t wasted time but a way to draw closer to You and align our hearts with Your will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
With faith, hope, and love,
Eric Smith