mini vacations

Here's what I know:  You and I were made to work - but also to rest.

God did not create us to go 24-7, without periods of pause, times of refreshing, days of rest.

I share with people all the time that I can go through long periods of hard work and long days - as long as I know that there will be "light at the end of the tunnel" that I will have a period of rest and vacation in the future.

Until that time comes, however, I encourage you to try a "mini-vacation" this week. 

In other words, to stop and pause and open your eyes to what is around you.

Let me give you a few examples of what I mean:

Get up early and watch the sunrise - or what a sunset (although with today's snowfall that it going to be tough to do).  Praise God for what you see.

Don't get out of bed tomorrow morning until you can think of one thing you are thankful for and then say, "This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad."

Hug someone or something.

Phone somebody and wish them a great day - and tell them you love them - or better yet - tell them  you like them.

Walk around your house or your yard and try to find something that you've never seen before (I do this sometimes on my drive to work).  You'll be surprised at how many there are.

Laugh at least once tonight after dinner.

Set a goal - to be happy by 8:00 A.M.  In other words, don't let your circumstances control you.

Do something special for yourself in the morning - make yourself a special cup of coffee, kiss your spouse, read a favorite portion of the Bible. 

Tell each member of your family one reason why you are glad they are in your family.

Tell Jesus one reason why you are glad that He is your Lord. 

Pray for someone. 

Choose one word or one line of Scripture and mediate on it for the entire day.  Peace.  Joy.  Lord.  Healing.  Life. 

Phone or email your spouse throughout the day and let them know that you love them.

Think of 10 reasons why you are glad to be alive.

There are many more. 

Why wait until the summer to take a vacation?  Let these mini-vacations rejuvenate you today.

Just a thought for a Tuesday (on a day when a lot of people are in their homes because of the snow)...... :)