Before You Go on Fall Break

Kids on Vacation – by Ned Horton at www.freeimages.com

It is that week!  It happens each spring and fall with the schools taking a week long break.  Families head out of town  for a week of vacation.  Our church attendance will likely be significantly down this Sunday as many of our people will be gone.

Before you leave, or maybe while you are in the car driving, here are a few things I want our families to consider.

1. We are praying for you!  I am praying for all those who are traveling this week.  Typically our public prayers in worship mention those who are traveling.  We care and want you to be blessed and come home safely.
2. You are representing Jesus!  Please don’t think you can participate in wrongful behaviors just because you are many miles away from home.  Be mindful of your choices and the example you are setting for your kids and others.  People will find out and others will know.  And by all means, if you are going to do something wrong, don’t post it on social media!  Remember who you are and whose you are!
3. Determine to attend worship.  Being on vacation is not a vacation from God!!  Plan where you will worship and prioritize attending services.  It will make a statement to your family and it will bless your life by worshipping with new brethren (just don’t like the preaching a whole lot better!).
4. Limit electronic devices so you can cherish your time together.  While electronic devices can help pass the time in the car, don’t let your family spend all week staring at their devices.  Put the phones away, play some board games, go for walks, and enjoy the scenery.  You may even try talking to one another.
5. Use the opportunity of the family trip to grow closer to Christ.  Families are so busy and scattered during normal life, so when you take a vacation be sure to slow down and enrich your lives spiritually.  Read the Bible on your vacation.  Have some family devotionals.  Parents spend some time talking to your children about their lives and your desires for them.
6. Have Fun!!  Go enjoy being a family and come back refreshed!  God has provided you the opportunity to go, so go enjoy it and be thankful!