Your Ideal Getaway
I recently chatted with a friend on IG Live and one of the questions she asked me was what my ideal vacation would be. Instantly, images of tropical getaways, international holidays steeped in history and culture and adventurous excursions ran through my mind. Each one felt like it could fulfill my desire for respite from the mundane and at times overwhelming day to day of my life. However, as I thought about the couple of weeks preceding this conversation, an unexpected answer unfolded for me. I answered, the ideal vacation for me is wherever there is peace and delight. I have found both of these in very different places.
Ariana and I recently traveled to visit Ivette in her hometown and it fed my soul beyond what I could have imagined. One day in particular, we traveled to a mountain town called Three Rivers. It’s hard to explain how the sound of rushing waters, the mountain ranges in the distance, the meticulously arranged orchards and vineyards and the discovery of plant life unfamiliar to me gave me perspective about God’s intentionality and beauty but it did. Sitting and staring at the river and marveling at the smooth green bark of the Palo Verde tree was more life giving and entertaining than any show I have ever binged. It inspired me to want to see more of the world, more of God’s creativity. It banished every anxious thought and worry and reminded me that if God dressed the Palo Verde tree so beautifully, that he would do much more for me. There on that California mountain, I found peace and delight.
I have also found peace and delight in my small, unassuming, unfinished New Jersey backyard. My ultimate vision is of a personal oasis, teeming with flowers, edible plants and the sound of my children’s laughter in the background as I rock slowly in my egg chair, lost in a book. I can confidently say that the backyard is not there yet - at all. There are still several details that need to come together to fulfill the vision. It also will never be like Three Rivers, no matter how many flowers I plant. In spite of all of that, the process of planting, designing and just sitting in my very own space has been where I have been able to exhale and regroup between meetings when I am working from home. It’s also been where I have had quiet conversations with God while planting, pruning and planning. Here in my backyard, I found peace and delight.
Amiga, we may not always have the opportunity to travel cross country or jetset off to another continent to experience peace and delight. We do not have to wait until that vacation week comes around to be able to decompress and rest. Wherever we are, God wants to show us evidence of His intentionality and love. His presence is our respite. He is our hiding place. Where He is, there is peace. Dwelling in Him and marveling in His creation inspires us to create beauty wherever we are. We can take long walks, stop to smell the flowers or simply sit in silence. I believe that is where we get to experience abundant life. We do not have to wait to live when we get to our ideal vacation, we can live to the fullest right now.
As you plan out your summer, consider these questions:
How can you be intentional about experiencing God’s peace and delight right where you are?
Where can you get out to experience nature?
How will you make room for quiet before God’s presence?
Is there a small project or hobby that would bring you satisfaction?
Psalm 37:4 - Take delight in the Lord and He will give you your heart’s desires.
