Hurtgen: Three reasons to take vacation to the glory of God

When a building is scheduled for demolition by implosion, a series of strategically placed explosives are placed throughout the structure. When ignited, they cause the building to fall inward. Rather than explode, sending debris everywhere, the building implodes on itself.

Like buildings, people metaphorically implode when pushed and pressed beyond their capacities. Growing impatient, being easily agitated, and irritating the people you love the most are signs you are on the verge of imploding. When a building implodes, minimal damage is done to the surrounding buildings. But when a person implodes, everybody is impacted. Carving out time to rest can alleviate the pressures leading to personal and familial implosion. I want to share three biblical reasons for rest to keep you from imploding.

God has created us to accomplish great things. God commissioned Adam and Eve to cause all creation under their care to thrive. We bear that same commissioning. Work gives you the opportunity to provide for yourself and others while making a positive contribution. As much as they were commanded to labor, the duo were also instructed to rest.

Resting needs to happen at a minimum daily, weekly, and annually. Daily getting good sleep. Weekly diverting from the day-to-day responsibilities to be restored. Annually, you should take time to spend with your most important people. Resting reminds you not only who the most important people in your life are but also that you are more than what you do.

Secondly, celebrate. To celebrate is to gather people together for a cause. You and a spouse are celebrating an anniversary. A family gathering to celebrate graduation. Celebrating a retirement. When we celebrate, we signify the important moments in our lives. Celebrations create moments to remember. Celebrations define what and who is most important.

Finally, restore. You cannot expect to keep a constant pace without breaking. Annually vacate the daily rhythms of life by sleeping late, moving slowly, and lingering longer. You don’t have to go anywhere, but you need an extended period annually to reconnect with God, yourself, and your family. An annual vacation can do wonders for the body, mind, and soul.

When the pace just keeps going, and the people who matter most to you feel like an afterthought, you are in danger of imploding. To avoid falling apart and taking casualties along the way, create regular times to rest, rejoice, and be restored.

Robert Hurtgen is a husband, father, minister and writer. Read more of him at www.robhurtgen.wordpress.com.