As summer starts, we all begin to make summer plans. Much of what we decide to do will likely be local, and simple enough to do on a weekend or during the day/evening, such as a swim at the local swimming pool (if you’re in Austin, Barton Springs and Hamilton Pool are top choices), grabbing a snow-cone with friends, catching an outdoor theater performance, floating the river or maybe even taking a trip to Schlitterbahn or Fiesta Texas.
We also contemplate and plan a longer vacation, an opportunity to get away from our usual routine, a chance to get out-of-town for an extended period of time. Perhaps a choose a trip to visit parents, grandparents, or close friends. Or maybe a trip to popular Texas summer destinations such as Padre Island, Port Aransas and Big Bend. Or, maybe we take a trip out-of-state or out of the country.
Sure, during the summertime most of us will work, either full-time or part-time, as many of us no longer have the luxury of our younger years, when summer meant no school and playing nearly all day. But whatever your summer plans are, I do hope and pray it includes some sort of vacation for yourself. Because, as Jesus taught us, taking time away from your usual routine and work is important. Yes, even Jesus took vacation.
Jesus didn’t take vacation from who he was (Christ) or take vacation from his faith (most of his vacations involved going into the mountains to pray), but he did take time to get away to visit friends, like Mary, Martha and Lazarus (Luke 10:38-42) or get away from the crowds (Matthew 14:22, Mark 6:45, Luke 4:42, John 6:15, etc.).
Yes, Jesus continued to share and live the faith, regardless of where he went or what he was doing. He’s an example to us in all things, even in our vacations. He sought time with friends, silence with God and a chance to rest himself to be better prepared to continue his ministry and life. So yes, it’s important for us to go on vacation too. So don’t feel guilty about taking a few vacation days. The emails can wait a few days, the pile of work to do on your desk will still be there when you get back (though maybe a little bit larger) and the person who keeps calling you with a million questions will be ready to ask you more questions when you get back. But that’s okay. If Jesus took vacation, why would we think we don’t need vacation too?
And know that I’m praying that when you head out on your vacation (or your “stay-cation”) that you are taking a little time to get away from “everyday life.” So be safe and be holy and be faithful.
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Need help finding a place to go to Mass when on vacation? Visit Mass Times for Travel.
