Vacationing For the Glory of God
I took the family camping a few weeks back. I enjoy camping well enough. I am not a wilderness nut, but I can appreciate the virtues of marshmallows burned over an open fire as much as anyone. We returned home happy, tired, and sore (it seems that the ground gets harder ever year). As I was helping my wife unpack, I was reminded that taking a trip with the family is an act of spiritual leadership.
It had rained on our trip, so the tent was a bit wet. It was also muddy and had its share of debris in it. The last thing I wanted to do when we got home was set the tent up, clean it out, let it dry, and then put it away. I began to work on it with a mildly grumpy attitude when it occurred to me: this is not an annoying interruption in my day, this is an important act of spiritual leadership. I need to serve my family in this way so that they can have fun, enjoy God's creation, and build memories. And most importantly, I need to do it with intentional joy.
Well, August is vacation time for many pastors. Our family will be heading out to Ocean City, NJ (site of this conference) at the end of the month. I am reminded of this excellent article by CJ Mahaney on what it means to be a leader on your family's vacation. It's got seven lessons to remember while on vacation:
1. A Servant Heart
2. A Tone-Setting Attitude
3. An Awareness of Indwelling Sin
4. Studying Your Family
5. Skillful Surprises
6. Intentionally Together
7. Gratefulness to God
Enjoy your trip!
As a Pastor I have been made aware of a personal attack which has been made to a well-known religious singer.
Posted by: Jim Kok | Aug 13, 2009 6:55:00 AM
Mike,
Thanks for this! Its key to be reminded that its not all about me even when I want it to be. Even when we are on vacation, I should never expect or desire to be relieved, even for a time, of the privileged leadership position I have as husband, father and discipler.
Posted by: Brad Byrd | Aug 16, 2009 11:09:13 PM