Having a Spiritual Family Vacation
Having a Spiritual Family Vacation
My son recently sent me a link to an article that gives principles for having a successful family vacation. (http://sovereigngraceministries.org/Blog/file.axd?file=62.Leading%2bFamilyVacations.pdf) The author, C.J. Mahaney, shares many good ideas. I would like to borrow his outline and add some commentary of my own.
The success of a family vacation, the author claims, is found in the attitude of the father. He suggests seven things to concentrate on when traveling or just spending time together.
1. A Servant Heart
When a father says, “I deserved this time off work and I going to do what I want to do for a change,” he is setting up a scenario for conflicts. James says wars and fightings come from our own lusts or desires. (4:1) In contrast, Jesus “came not to be ministered unto but to minister.” (Matt. 20:28) If we as fathers focus on how to make the vacation a memorable experience for the others in the family, we will receive the greatest reward ourselves. It was years after we were married that I clued in that a vacation to our parents was most rewarding when I determined to help them with projects they needed done, rather than use their house as temporary housing for my own plans.
2. A Tone-Setting Attitude
As fathers, will we be energy givers or energy suckers to others in the family? Will we display a grateful spirit no matter what the circumstances? Will we be tenderhearted and forgiving when others blow it, and humble when we do? These attitudes will make or break a vacation.
3. An Awareness of Indwelling Sin
Too often, when we relax, we let down our guard. Then temptation to sin only increases. Guard yourself and each other from situations when you are tempted to compromise what you know is right.
4. Studying Your Family
Ask yourself, what do they want to do? Better, what would be best for them to do? What places and activities will best leave a lasting memory in their lives and build them personally? Also what situations will cause conflict between children and how can these be avoided?
5. Skillful Surprises
Our vacations have almost always been to visit family or friends. So where we were going was no surprise. But even these visits can include surprises that make memories. Plan some ahead of time. Do things you wouldn’t normally do and share with each other how you enjoyed them.
6. Intentionally Together
A family vacation is designed to spend more relaxed time together as a family. Don’t allow ‘everyone doing their own thing’ attitudes to ruin that. Time is too short and vacations too expensive to miss getting to know one another on a different level.
7. Gratefulness to God
Do your children view you as a grateful person? Show them during those extended times with you what gratitude is all about.
Probably you can add other things to this list. Pray over it. Let’s make vacation time a God centered time in our own lives and in our investments in our families.