***
Let's not even pretend... I simply forgot what day it was because: Summer + a mid-week Holiday = Who Can know what day it is this week?!
Our One Word Prompt is VACATION. This is Five Minute Friday!
Let's go...
{GO}
I see the word and I think immediately, "Yes, Please!"
I mean, who doesn't want/need a vacation from time to time?
When I think of that word, visions of sand and sea come to mind... or memories of changing planes and booking hotels and exploring someplace new...
I can reflect back to trips taken as newlyweds and as a new and growing family. I think back to traditions kept and remember when new ones were created...
and I am oh so thankful!
We love to travel, but let's be real:
We don't have the budget for that.
At least not as often as we'd like!
We always say it's just time and money...
But when we are short on both,
I've learned that we can still
take a vacation in our mind.
We can savor and still...
We can be intentional in how
we refuel and refill...
Even in this season of not having money, we do find ourselves with a bit of time (and we're not wasting it!)
We have been practicing a bit of Touring Your Hometown staycationing, as well as driving to my sisters' place and to breathe and refocus and take a few days to match the pace of the Island Time! (Click that link for an older post that pretty much says the same thing circa 2014, because -I'm consistent, Y'all!)
Our One Word Prompt is VACATION. This is Five Minute Friday!
Let's go...
{GO}
I see the word and I think immediately, "Yes, Please!"
I mean, who doesn't want/need a vacation from time to time?
When I think of that word, visions of sand and sea come to mind... or memories of changing planes and booking hotels and exploring someplace new...
I can reflect back to trips taken as newlyweds and as a new and growing family. I think back to traditions kept and remember when new ones were created...
and I am oh so thankful!
We love to travel, but let's be real:
We don't have the budget for that.
At least not as often as we'd like!
We always say it's just time and money...
But when we are short on both,
I've learned that we can still
take a vacation in our mind.
We can savor and still...
We can be intentional in how
we refuel and refill...
We can close our eyes,
inhale deep and exhale slow...
Invite the Lord to invade your heart,
your mindsets and your schedule...
Ask Him how He would like to refresh you...
equip you, and saturate Sabbath all around you!
It will look different for each of us.
It will look different in every season!
There were many years that we vacationed in the same town every summer. Over time, seasons changed and it became less consistent.
Then, as My Honey and I became Empty Nesters, we discovered a new favorite place for just the two of us and we escaped there often over the last few years.
For (nearly) the whole of our marriage, My Honey worked for a small family-owned business and while they provided us with a comfortable life, he didn't rack up vacation time or get many bonuses or benefits.
However, we both had a high value for vacations... for unplugging and reconnecting to each other and as a family and friends.
We believe there is something holy about breaking bread together --in your own home(town) but also in a new city, at a new table, creating new memories as you invest in the relationships that feel like family whether there is a blood relation or not!
We vacationed on our own as well as with friends... and because of our financial limitations, 'vacationing' often meant traveling to stay with friends and family who live out of town!*
This in-between season has us limited more than ever, and yet we are so held... so taken care of... and so blessed and thankful!
Maybe you have a budget and you are able to book a flight and get away! If you can do it, please do! Please make it a priority because you will come home rested and refreshed. (...Even if you feel exhausted because hello! This is real life and some vacations feel like a lot of work or running around!)
Taking a vacation and seeing new surroundings, and breathing different air, is so good for your soul!
But maybe, like us, your budget is -shall we say, snug and an airfare stash is non-existent. Call up some family or friends within driving distance and make a plan! Vacation doesn't HAVE to cost you a ton... and it doesn't even have to last a week! A weekend getaway sometimes is just what you need and it's way more doable than wishing you could go away for 14 days!
Or, if snug is not a strong enough word, just give yourself five minutes and close your eyes, and go on vacation in your mind. Picture your favorite place or a desired destination and slow your breathing and intentionally tap into rest.
Ask the Lord what He has for you in that space and what He would like to speak to your heart to bring a refreshing and a reboot of sorts! He knows what you need and He is willing and wanting to give it to you!
Something about, "Get away with me and you’ll recover your life." ...and "Learn the unforced rhythms of grace..."
Yes, please!
{STOP}inhale deep and exhale slow...
Invite the Lord to invade your heart,
your mindsets and your schedule...
Ask Him how He would like to refresh you...
equip you, and saturate Sabbath all around you!
It will look different for each of us.
It will look different in every season!
There were many years that we vacationed in the same town every summer. Over time, seasons changed and it became less consistent.
Then, as My Honey and I became Empty Nesters, we discovered a new favorite place for just the two of us and we escaped there often over the last few years.
For (nearly) the whole of our marriage, My Honey worked for a small family-owned business and while they provided us with a comfortable life, he didn't rack up vacation time or get many bonuses or benefits.
However, we both had a high value for vacations... for unplugging and reconnecting to each other and as a family and friends.
We believe there is something holy about breaking bread together --in your own home(town) but also in a new city, at a new table, creating new memories as you invest in the relationships that feel like family whether there is a blood relation or not!
We vacationed on our own as well as with friends... and because of our financial limitations, 'vacationing' often meant traveling to stay with friends and family who live out of town!*
This in-between season has us limited more than ever, and yet we are so held... so taken care of... and so blessed and thankful!
Maybe you have a budget and you are able to book a flight and get away! If you can do it, please do! Please make it a priority because you will come home rested and refreshed. (...Even if you feel exhausted because hello! This is real life and some vacations feel like a lot of work or running around!)
Taking a vacation and seeing new surroundings, and breathing different air, is so good for your soul!
But maybe, like us, your budget is -shall we say, snug and an airfare stash is non-existent. Call up some family or friends within driving distance and make a plan! Vacation doesn't HAVE to cost you a ton... and it doesn't even have to last a week! A weekend getaway sometimes is just what you need and it's way more doable than wishing you could go away for 14 days!
Or, if snug is not a strong enough word, just give yourself five minutes and close your eyes, and go on vacation in your mind. Picture your favorite place or a desired destination and slow your breathing and intentionally tap into rest.
Ask the Lord what He has for you in that space and what He would like to speak to your heart to bring a refreshing and a reboot of sorts! He knows what you need and He is willing and wanting to give it to you!
Something about, "Get away with me and you’ll recover your life." ...and "Learn the unforced rhythms of grace..."
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly." ~ Matt 11:28-30 The MessageSee?
Yes, please!
Even in this season of not having money, we do find ourselves with a bit of time (and we're not wasting it!)
We have been practicing a bit of Touring Your Hometown staycationing, as well as driving to my sisters' place and to breathe and refocus and take a few days to match the pace of the Island Time! (Click that link for an older post that pretty much says the same thing circa 2014, because -I'm consistent, Y'all!)
The Five Minute Friday community is the best gathering of Flash mob writers around! We wait for the one-word prompt and we throw caution and hesitation and editing to the wind, and we let our fingers fly and our feelings feel and we just wait and see what flows out in five minutes (or so! Because, grace!) and we hit Publish without second-guessing or backspacing!
Linking up with Kate Motaung and the #fmfparty Community today. Five Minute Fridays give us the chance to dive right in and share what He puts on our hearts! Click HERE to read what others have to say about "VACATION"
Linking up with Kate Motaung and the #fmfparty Community today. Five Minute Fridays give us the chance to dive right in and share what He puts on our hearts! Click HERE to read what others have to say about "VACATION"
* - When my Five minutes were officially up!
I'm also linking up with the lovely writer communities linked below:
I'm also linking up with the lovely writer communities linked below:
Crystal Twaddell for #FreshMarketFriday
LORI SCHUMAKER FOR #MOMENTSOFHOPE
If you are in need of rest, maybe this summer is the perfect time to walk through 31 days of resting in him. It's a short daily devotional that both expands your understanding of rest, as well as your ability to tap into it!
31 Days of Resting in Him: ...It's easier/harder than you think!
(The above Amazon link as an Affiliate link. It costs you the same amount, but helps to cover the expenses of the blog and podcasting!)
LORI SCHUMAKER FOR #MOMENTSOFHOPE
If you are in need of rest, maybe this summer is the perfect time to walk through 31 days of resting in him. It's a short daily devotional that both expands your understanding of rest, as well as your ability to tap into it!
31 Days of Resting in Him: ...It's easier/harder than you think!
(The above Amazon link as an Affiliate link. It costs you the same amount, but helps to cover the expenses of the blog and podcasting!)
Why does money always have to play in? I'm thankful that we can do things without a lot of money. I'm thankful for family that make vacation possible. I'm excited to explore NYC with my aunt, uncle and sister in a few weeks. Love you friend! And I think someday I should come visit you for my vacation. I'm in the 24 spot this week.
ReplyDeleteGah... money!? I'm super excited for your upcoming NYC trip. I love you, too! AND YES you should come visit!!!
DeleteLove this Karrilee.
ReplyDeleteMy husband have been in such a situation for all our marriage - 3 years now. Our first vacation post honeymoon was a staycation in our city for a night on his birthday last year. Then another staycation in our city on my birthday (this one stretched 3 nights)
I know it won't always be this way. But I too have enjoyed God's provision for us. And His delightful surprises
Honestly, it's amazing what a huge difference it makes when we can stay thankful and look for the adventure! The gift of being Present is better than any far away destination! But still... ;)
DeleteI feel you Karrilee. Our vacation plans may not go our way or look how we hope. In my case, our first vacation post honeymoon was last year for a night at a hotel not too far from us within Nairobi. Our next one was 3 days this year on my birthday.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't the plan but God has been faithful still. Used to be sad about it but I'm more open to the adventures that come in the mundane.
Really enjoyed this post <3
Some of my favorite vacations have not included airfare or a week off of work... but an impromptu road trip for the weekend --or even just for the afternoon! Rest is always available to us... (it's just always a little better with sand between our toes!)
DeleteI've taken many a staycations and rarely fly away cations!!! Love you Ms K.
ReplyDeleteOur road trips FAR outweigh our plane rides... any time away --any bit of respite and rejuvenating... it's always welcome! Love you, too! xoxo
Delete