Family Vacation

Then Jonah went out to the east side of the city and made a shelter to sit under as he waited to see what would happen to the city. 6 And the Lord God arranged for a leafy plant to grow there, and soon it spread its broad leaves over Jonah’s head, shading him from the sun. This eased his discomfort, and Jonah was very grateful for the plant.  Jonah 4:5-6 

Life presents its challenges. This week, my family is fortunate to have the opportunity for a vacation. Typically, one envisions the destination, the attractions to visit, and the enjoyable activities planned. We set aside work and other obligations from prior weeks in anticipation of this break. However, reality often proves more complex. Whereas flying would have required only a few hours, our journey by car involved ten individuals, including a three-year-old, resulting in an extended travel time spanning two days and 22 hours of driving. 

This resulted in a longer travel time than usual spanning two days and 22 hours of drive time.  Despite the length of the trip and arriving exhausted, we got up the next morning and had the children visit a water park, which they readily enjoyed.  My wife and I took the opportunity to rest and relax.  The challenge of getting to the destination soon became a distant memory.  

One of the significant challenges in life is how the journey is filled with difficulties and troubles throughout.  While it is true Jesus forewarned us saying, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) There is this part of me that looks up to Heaven, and says, “Jesus, do you have to allow for things to be ‘this’ troublesome?”  However, as I pointed out in my last devotion, we are to be thankful for how trials indeed strengthen our faith.  Understanding this, a vacation takes on a different meaning.  It becomes a time to rest, renew, and be reminded of God’s goodness and provisions in life, providing an opportunity amidst trials.  There is a reason Jesus added in the middle, “so that in me you may have peace.” 

It is important for us to be thankful for the moments in life that God provides us with peace knowing there are storms ahead.  The story of Jonah reminds me of God’s compassion for us in times of difficulty.  Jonah had been through the trials of a literal storm, been eaten by a fish to be thrown ashore, and served warning to people to be destroyed by God only to see God show compassion toward them.  Jonah was mentally done.  And in a moment, God showed Jonah compassion similar to that He showed the people of Ninevah giving him rest.  In retrospect, this was not often the actions of God in the Old Testament.  Digging a bit deeper, we often see that while God was a jealous God, he was also compassionate (saving Noah, sparing of lives in Sodom and Gomorrah, care for Israelites in their journey to the Promised Land).  The point here is not to prove God’s compassion.  It is to note that He understands that in all that His people face, He will provide rest.  Jesus of course is a bit more direct in stating, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) His invitation is clear: through the chaos of life’s trials, God’s gift of rest is both physical and spiritual, a moment to pause and reconnect with Him who sustains us. 

As we navigate the difficulties of our own journeys, whether it is the exhausting car ride to a family vacation or the deeper, more profound trials that leave us questioning and seeking, there is a reassurance that God’s provision is accessible to each one of us.  It is not merely a fleeting relief but a profound reminder that the storms of life cannot overshadow the eternal comfort and hope offered by our Creator.  Just as Jonah found shade under the leafy plant, we too can find solace in the simple yet profound gifts that God places in our paths.  Let us remember that these moments are not accidental but purposeful acts of love, showing us that even amid life’s chaos, His peace is sufficient.  What are the "leafy plants" in your life?  Can you identify simple yet profound ways God has provided for you during difficult seasons?  How do vacations or times of rest impact your faith?  Are they opportunities for spiritual renewal as well as physical relaxation?  What does Jesus’ invitation to rest mean for you personally?  How can you take His yoke upon you and experience rest for your soul?  My prayer is we are thankful for those moments of rest God provides for.  Even on vacation.  Amen. 

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