Vacation Rules
Chris just went back to work at Southpoint Church after two weeks of much needed time off. He joyfully poured him heart and soul into the church six days a week for a year without taking a day off. He made a really wise decision to take some downtime for himself so he wouldn’t run dry physically, spiritually, mentally or emotionally.
Chris is very happy to be back at work, and I find myself longing for a vacation! I snapped and snarled at my family last week because I was just too tired to manage my reactions. My world started feeling small. There didn’t seem to be an end to the monotony or any margin in sight. I’d been distractedly praying about how to get my mind in a better place, between grumbles and cups of coffees, when I opened up my journaling app, Day One. I love it because it shows journal entries from the same day in previous years.
On the day of my half-hearted, pity-laced prayers, I found an entry called “Vacation Rules”. This time last year, I was going through a study with the Help Club for Moms called “The Joy Challenge”. It was 40 days of coaching in how to renew your mind based on Philippians 4:8. That particular day, one year ago, the topic of the Joy Challenge was all about how to stay rut free and rejuvenated. Hello!!! The main idea was “Stale, stagnant, unproductive thoughts can sneak up on us and gradually take away our ability to live with joy.” The challenge was to shake up your routine to escape from yourself. Create a vacation by applying a few rules to your week, even if nothing else changes. I recorded the author, Tommy Newberry’s, “Vacation Rules” in my journal entry.
Vacation Rules:
1. Drop all negativity.
2. Cut out criticizing and condemnation.
3. No gossip or grumbling.
4. Refrain from exasperated mannerisms.
5. Refuse to discuss aches, pains, annoyances.
6. Suspend worrisome thoughts and speech.
7. Pray and forgive beyond the norm.
8. Encourage friends, spouse, coworkers.
9. Assume the best and defend others.
10. Review your blessings.
11. Smile and laugh more
12. Think on and review your goals.
13. Dwell on the character of God.
Doesn’t that sound rejuvenating!?! I’m doing it! I’m going on vacation! Right here, just like this. I am going to create some space during the next week to review my blessings (rule #10) and goals (#12), and to dwell on the character of God (#13).
I am going to take one week off from blogging and Thankful Thursday. I’m looking forward to creating space to intentionally renew my mind and think about what’s important to me. I just downloaded a new audiobook, and I’m actually (probably) going to listen to it!
If you want to know more about The Joy Challenge, click here. I’d HIGHLY recommend it for you personally, your marriage, family, small group, or any other group of people. It’s amazing! And it’s FREE right now as a joy-bringing gift during COVID!