What fun it can be to pack up our bags and travel to far away places. It’s exciting to explore new cities and amazing landmarks. However, I have found that to really be able to rest, my favorite place is close to home.
There’s nothing like sitting in the quiet corners of my own house filled with comfy chairs, lamps put in just the right place for reading and ambiance with a cup of coffee on the side table. There’s also the simple joy of sitting out on the back porch on these lovely late spring days, admiring all the roses in bloom and the wisteria swaying in the breeze, knowing we have no where we have to be…only together.
Our recent Staycation was all I hoped it would be, and more! We slept in when we wanted. We ate at simple restaurants or had easy meals at home. We took a two night adventure to a favorite place – Pigeon Forge, both familiar and close. We went to Dollywood and used our passes for the first time this season. The flower and food festival is happening right now and I was mesmerized by all the beauty in the park!
We enjoyed some yummy treats on that warm day.
The Scenic Route was our road to home, of course, where it allowed us spectacular mountain views, with barns and sheds dotting the landscape. It’s breathtaking to me!
We used one afternoon to work in the yard, adding tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers to our raised beds where lettuce is growing nicely and dancing in the wind like kites in March.
We drove to Roan Mountain and enjoyed the beauty and quiet of the scenery that surrounded us. A flowing stream like this made us just stand and be still. We watched the water rush over the rocks and thought of the Lord’s admonition to “Be still and know that He is God.” These kind of moments can’t be rushed.
We ended our time of rest together on our back swing, enjoying Healthy Choice Fudgesicles (the best!). Our hearts were full, rested, and more in love with the Lord and one another. We were also grateful for time to rest and be refreshed before our next busy season begins. We know we cannot sustain ministry with tired bodies, minds and spirits.
I can truly say I feel ready for the summer before us where we will return to The Wilds Christian camp to minister to and befriend the sponsors each week. I’m excited!
God is so good to allow us to serve Him, and He is so kind to give us times to rest. We rest so we can work. Our staycation helped us to be ready to do so!
Don’t think you have to be busy every single minute. Refresh yourself with times of rest – even if you stay home to do it!
RefreshHer 