Summer is quickly approaching and many people, including myself, are gearing up for family vacations and weekend escapes. As we “get away,” no matter for how long, there is potential to forget to invite Jesus along with us.
It can be tempting to throw the baby out with the bathwater when it comes to relaxing on vacation. We get so intent on escaping from everything that reminds us of schedules, calendars, appointments, and all-around busyness, that we often neglect to invite Jesus to join us on our trip. Vacation from the everyday fight with schedules should never be a vacation from the everyday walk with the Father.
Here are five helpful ways you can remember to savor the Savior on your next vacation or get away:
1. Set a trip memory verse.
This is a great way to remember Christ on your vacation, whether you’re toting kids along with you or you’re out with your girlfriends. Find a verse that fits the occasion and aim to have it memorized by the end of the trip. Here are some relevant verses to get some ideas rolling based on your next vacation destination:
Mountain Escape: Psalm 97:5-6, Psalm 46:1-3, or Habakkuk 3:6
Ocean View: Psalm 89:9, Psalm 146:6, or Isaiah 43:2-3
City Exploration: Matthew 5:14, Hebrews 11:16, or James 4:13-17
Staycation: Jeremiah 29:4-7, Joshua 24:15, or Colossians 3:12-14
Cruise Getaway: Isaiah 33:21-22, James 3: 4-5, or Matthew 8:27
2. Emphasize gratitude for everything.
Make it your family or travel group’s goal to find 10 things to be grateful for each day of your getaway!
3. Sing to Him.
As you pack, don’t forget your travel speaker, headphones, and your favorite worship music playlist download. You can have a worship service anywhere you are with these items. Some great Spotify playlists to consider downloading include:
4. Have church where you are.
While visiting a church native to the location at which you are vacationing could be an exciting experience, you don’t have to go further than your hotel room to have church. Ask one of your trip members to prepare a devotional ahead of time and maybe even have a couple worship songs handy. (I highly recommend Shane and Shane worship albums.) Host it in your hotel room, on your cabin front porch, around an evening campfire, on the beach pier, or at the breakfast table. The possibilities are endless!
5. Pray for an opportunity to share the Gospel.
You don’t have to go on vacation and save the soul of every person you encounter, but why not be determined to verbally share the Gospel at least once during your trip?
“The Gospel could come alive in a whole new way for us if we will just remember to bring our Savior along with us on vacation. ”
Take it from a girl that forgets even her passport on an international trip… it can be so easy to go on vacation and completely miss an opportunity for the Lord to speak to you uninterruptedly. Imagine hearing the ocean waves crash as you read about Jonah in the big fish. Imagine seeing the mountains tower over you as you listen to “Do It Again” by Elevation Worship. Imagine seeing the clouds float by your airplane window as you read about the God who spoke them into being.
The Gospel could come alive in a whole new way for us if we will just remember to bring our Savior along with us on vacation. How else do you plan to invite Jesus with you on your next get away? Comment below with some ideas!
Meet the Author!
Hannah Hanzel is an opinionated, passionate gal that loves sharing what God is doing in her often busy and complicated life. She strives to show God's glory in working as the Art Director for the Baptist Messenger, serving as a multi-client freelance graphic designer, and communing with CRBC. When she's not working, you can find her sipping coffee in a hammock, watching classic '40s movies, or going on an adventure with friends or family.
