We’re back. When we left our regular routines to visit family, we called it a vacation. Vacations are to provide a contrast or interlude or break from one’s normal work and activity. Some vacations in the past were to stop working and taking time away to be with family. I have never thought staying home to be a vacation. Working on the house, doing extra cleaning, beginning new projects that need to be done has never been relaxing or refreshing. In the pastorate, when I was home there were too many interruptions from needy people. I love people, but I needed a break from the daily demands and responsibilities.

One of the 10 commandments was to not work one day a week. To put it in context, it served to keep attention on the Lord. God established the Sabbath day for people to rest from their labors. There were also at least six annual festivals and feasts in the Old Testament when people came together or traveled away from home to celebrate the work of God. Jesus was 12 years old when His family took a trip to Jerusalem to worship and be with other family members.

Biblically we are aware of the Queen of Sheba traveling to visit the King Solomon tp see if the reports of his wealth were true. There are other accounts of folks visiting relatives. Jacob and Esau traveled to visit their family. Ruth and Naomi traveled to see relatives. Even Mary visited her cousin, Elizabeth for a period of time when she was pregnant with Jesus.

Parables on prayer were based on friends and visitors coming at midnight and needing to borrow bread to feed their guest. Such was the case with Abraham who entertained unknown travelers and bid them to stay - unaware there were angels of the Lord.

The ancient ruins unearthed inns, hotels, theaters, baths and places for games when many would travel for extended periods to attend an event or celebration .

It was good to see relatives we haven’t seen for a while. It was good to travel with our son and granddaughter and spend some extra time with them. It was good to do some reading, but it is also good to be home again where we belong.

God is good. All the time.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for family, vacations and time for reflection.   Thank you for the Sabbath.