Ministry life is busy. Very busy. It is also draining. Very draining. So, every now and then, we just need to take a couple of days and get out of town. Going away helps recharge our batteries so we can keep serving with strength.
Last week my family took a couple of days to head to Dollywood, an amusement park in Pigeon Forge. They were having their fall Gospel singing, and honestly, it’s my favorite time of the year to be at the park.
We had PERFECT weather. It was in the 60’s by mid-day and it was sunny and gorgeous. The leaves took on spectacular colors in the sun’s light. Alli and I rode several rides, but I just enjoy strolling through the park, looking at the fall arrangements and the trees, shopping in the stores, as well as hearing the Gospel groups sing. Here are some pictures of our time there:
When we came home, we got rack back into the saddle – it was like jumping onto a moving Merry-go-round. Things were already in motion and we joined in its activity. Our time away was so much fun and so beautiful that I found myself whining wishing we could stay longer. But you know what? Those two days away really were sufficient, and they refreshed us and made us ready to keep on laboring for the Lord.
Not every day can be a Get-away Day. Most days are ministry laden, laundry folding, bed-making, meal prepping, people-helping, bread-making kind of days. They’re ordinary days, and that’s okay. They are familiar. They are comforting. They are the reason we exist. We don’t live for the get-away’s – they simply help equip us and gird us so we’ll be ready to keep serving (and we all need to make sure we make time for rest!). Dollywood was fun, but it’s not why I exist. The ordinary days? Yeah, that’s why I’m here. So then, I must put my heart to it, for God’s glory.
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
I Corinthians 10:31
Have you had a get-away recently? I hope it helped you to return to your work/ministry!
Lovingly,
RefreshHer 
I am glad you had a few days to refresh Denise. My family lives in North GA and they have season passes to Dollywood. I have not made it there yet but maybe one day!!
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I hope you can go to DW sometime. It’s pretty incredible to hear Gospel songs at a secular park! It’s a very wholesome place – quite refreshing!
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Thanks so much for this, Denise! Mr. T and I went on a two day getaway last week. We are SO busy with ministry, plus eldercare and homemaking for me and pastoral search responsibilities and a high-stress job for him. Most days there is far too much to do. The re-entry this time was hard for both of us, but we also recognized that it was time to go back and that God had provided these two days for the refreshment that we needed. I think we both feel a renewed sense of energy to get back to what God has for us and to do all as unto Him. Thanks for this excellent reminder that the ordinary days are what we live for.
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Glad you got some needed refreshment, Mrs. T! Praying for you and your husband!
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Hi Denise,
I recently came across your blog from Whitney’s “Come Home For Comfort”! I am glad to have found your blog – I’ll look forward to keeping up with it! Your getaway looks fabulous – such beautiful fall scenery and time with your family. 🙂 My husband and I took a small day trip this past weekend to a historical covered bridge/nature area. We took a picnic lunch and just enjoyed the beauty of our surroundings and our time together. Not only was there the covered bridge, but we also discovered a creek, bluffs, trails, meadows and more. It was a wonderful getaway!
Colleen
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Welcome, Colleen! Thanks for reading my blog and for commenting today! Your get away sounds beautiful and really refreshing!
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Beautiful pictures and I praise the Lord that we can have time away. I just arrived from having some time with my friend Irma. It was wonderful to go away but it was nice to come back home. Take care
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Oh, nice! If you were with Irma I know you had fun!
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