“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” —Deuteronomy 31:8
When we leave home for vacation, we often think of it as time away. Time away from work, from schedules, from responsibility. But we are never away from God. The same God who walks with us in ordinary days also travels with us into new places,
Scripture reminds us that God is always on the move with His people. He guided Israel through unfamiliar territory. He journeyed with the disciples along dusty roads. And today, He rides with us through airports, winding highways, and quiet getaways. Wherever we go, God is already there.
God does not just allow rest. He invites it. Jesus looked at His weary disciples and said, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31) Those words still echo today. Rest is not a sign of weakness or selfishness; it is an act of trust. When we rest, we declare that the world does not depend solely on us and that God is still at work even when we pause.
Vacation gives us a sacred opportunity to slow down and become present again. Present with creation. Present with the people we love. Present with God. In the quiet moments, free from constant demands, we may hear God’s voice more clearly and feel His peace more deeply.
Lee and I are leaving Friday for Costa Rica with friends. I look forward to seeing God’s presence in laughter shared, beauty observed, (I want to see a sloth) and restorative rest. And I will be sure to let my light shine brightly each day!
Shine, Shine, Shine!
Tina