A family vacation to the beach or lake can be a difficult endeavor. First, there’s the check lists and the packing. Once you’re on your vacation, there’s still much to be done. Before you can enjoy the waterside, you lather up with sunscreen, pack snacks and drinks; gather up the sand toys, chairs, towels, and umbrellas. (Am I forgetting anything!?) You’re exhausted before you even begin your day!
But then, you arrive and plop yourself in your beach chair. You hear little kids squeal in delight at the waves crashing on the shore. You see the smiles on older kids’ faces as they ride waves on Boogie Boards. You watch families building sandcastles, with their impending doom at high tide. There’s joy and laughter. It’s a lot of work to get away, but it’s worth it!
Recently, the church staff was invited to a lavender farm, and set a date on a calendar to visit. The day arrived last week but downpouring rain threatened to cancel the event. Distance of a drive and unexpected changes in family schedules made it difficult for some to attend. But most of the staff made it, and found that a delightful evening awaited us. It was a beautiful shared experience learning about a really cool plant that God has made with some unique qualities. And a classic Kansas sunset was the cherry on the top for the evening.
It can be a lot of work to plan and attend a group outing, but it’s worth it!
Whether considering a vacation out in nature, an evening outside with some friends, or even going out for a walk, I’d encourage you to go for it. There might be a gravitational pull to just stay put. There are always the “what-ifs” and unknowns when you step outside or make plans. But God has given us an amazing playground out there for us to enjoy. And He encourages us to notice the things He has made and let them point us to Him, our loving Heavenly Father.
When I consider Your heavens,
the work of Your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which You have set in place,
what is mankind that You are mindful of them,
human beings that You care for them?
(Psalm 8:3-4)
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
(Psalm 121:1-2)
Look up. Look out. Get up. Get out!
It’s worth it!
Pastor Mark
But then, you arrive and plop yourself in your beach chair. You hear little kids squeal in delight at the waves crashing on the shore. You see the smiles on older kids’ faces as they ride waves on Boogie Boards. You watch families building sandcastles, with their impending doom at high tide. There’s joy and laughter. It’s a lot of work to get away, but it’s worth it!
Recently, the church staff was invited to a lavender farm, and set a date on a calendar to visit. The day arrived last week but downpouring rain threatened to cancel the event. Distance of a drive and unexpected changes in family schedules made it difficult for some to attend. But most of the staff made it, and found that a delightful evening awaited us. It was a beautiful shared experience learning about a really cool plant that God has made with some unique qualities. And a classic Kansas sunset was the cherry on the top for the evening.
It can be a lot of work to plan and attend a group outing, but it’s worth it!
Whether considering a vacation out in nature, an evening outside with some friends, or even going out for a walk, I’d encourage you to go for it. There might be a gravitational pull to just stay put. There are always the “what-ifs” and unknowns when you step outside or make plans. But God has given us an amazing playground out there for us to enjoy. And He encourages us to notice the things He has made and let them point us to Him, our loving Heavenly Father.
When I consider Your heavens,
the work of Your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which You have set in place,
what is mankind that You are mindful of them,
human beings that You care for them?
(Psalm 8:3-4)
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
(Psalm 121:1-2)
Look up. Look out. Get up. Get out!
It’s worth it!
Pastor Mark