Living life as if you're on vacation every day

"I am going to take a job so the family can afford more vacations," Fred said.

Fred was a stay-at-home dad who was well suited for the undertaking. He absolutely loved staying home, keeping house, taking care of family business and all the other jobs that good mothers and wives usually do. He was a great dad, always shuttling the kids around and keeping up with different activities.

Fred's wife, Jewell, liked her job as much as he did his. She was very career-oriented and earned a very adequate salary. The family lived quite comfortably and happily.

I recently visited the couple and enjoyed my time there, immensely, even though my husband and I failed to stay as long as they would have liked for us to.

Even though we enjoy trips and vacations, we thoroughly like returning home. It isn't because we can't leave our comfort zone, but we, and I, especially, thoroughly enjoy our life within our home and community.

While feeling guilty on our way home for seemingly disappointing Fred and Jewell, I suddenly realized the reason I disliked staying away for long stretches. It was because I feel that MY LIFE IS A VACATION EVERY DAY. Merely recognizing the fact made butterflies flutter in my stomach.

What a wonderful insight! I am on vacation every day!

I enjoy what I do, the people I see and the freedom to do pretty much as I choose. Although I've almost always worked, at least part-time, I, nevertheless, have tried to exercise a degree of control over my life. If I thoroughly disliked a particular line of work, I searched to find something I would enjoy. Life is too short to work at something you detest day after day. I am glad I finally recognized what a great life I have. Now, I shall appreciate my activities, even more, because I will think of them as pleasure. My attitude is what makes it so.

Vacations are good for people, especially for those who do dislike what they do. It gives you a chance to wind down, think about life, and share time with people you enjoy. Or you may simply want to travel to far-away places.

Whatever your reasons are for wanting to get away, take stock of avenues that can make your life a vacation every day. Many like their trade so much they don't want to take time off. I think that depends on how far you carry it. Being a workaholic is not a good thing, but liking what you do enough to want to continue it, can, indeed, be a worthy goal.

If your job or vocation brings you fulfillment and joy, then, when you take a vacation you will look forward to returning rather than dreading again to resume your toil. You will have the best of both worlds. You can look forward to a hiatus and to returning to your home environment. You, too, can be on vacation every day.

It's how you perceive your life. There are always extenuating circumstances. But I can't emphasize enough that if you hate what you do so much you can hardly wait to get away, you need to look elsewhere. What you're doing isn't your true purpose in life.

Look within to see what gifts you have to offer and what brings you pleasure. Then pursue that objective with a passion. You can find your purpose, if you look hard enough to find it, and you're willing to take the risks that may be necessary. Your world is incomplete until you discover what genuinely moves you. You may have doubts about finding your true calling -- one that will bring you continual happiness -- but it's possible. "For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God." Mark 10:27.

Look at your life. You may be on a vacation every day, too, like me. If not, make some changes!

Ellen Shuck holds degrees in psychology, religious education and spiritual direction. Her blog, "Chocolate for the Soul: Wisdom for Life" may be accessed at semissourian.com. She is the author of the book, "Wisdom for the Journey."