As the calendar turns to September and the days begin to shorten, many of us may start to feel a sense of sadness that summer is coming to an end.
The long, lazy days of relaxation and vacation may soon be replaced by the hustle and bustle of work and school.
But just because summer is drawing to a close, does that mean we have to say goodbye to the carefree, laid-back mindset that comes with it?
Absolutely not! In fact, with a little help from Scripture, we can still hold onto that vacation mindset all year round.
One of the key components of a vacation mindset is rest. In the book of Matthew, Jesus invites us to come to him and find rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28).
This rest is not just physical, but also mental, emotional, and spiritual.
By taking time each day to spend with the Lord in prayer and meditation on His Word, we can find a peace and rest that surpasses all understanding
(Philippians 4:7).
Another important aspect of a vacation mindset is gratitude.
When we are on vacation, we often take the time to appreciate the beauty of the world around us and the blessings in our lives.
The Bible encourages us to give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
By cultivating a spirit of gratitude, we can find joy and contentment regardless of the season.
Lastly, a vacation mindset is all about living in the present moment.
We often feel more relaxed and carefree on vacation because we are fully present and engaged in the experiences around us.
In his letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul reminds us to forget what is behind and press on toward the goal (Philippians 3:13-14).
By focusing on the present and trusting in God’s plan for our lives, we can experience true freedom and joy.
So, is summer really over?
Not if we choose to hold onto the vacation mindset that comes with it. By finding rest in the Lord, cultivating gratitude, and living in the present moment, we can experience the peace and joy of vacation all year round.
As the psalmist wrote,
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it”
(Psalm 118:24).
So, grab a beach chair, a good book, and a refreshing drink, and enjoy the vacation mindset that summer brings, no matter what time of year it is
By Pastor Dennis Felder
