During our time in Hawaii, welcoming our son home from Iraq, an underlying theme for me was the whole notion of “vacation.”  This was the first time in a long time that I didn’t take my laptop or any work with me.  I just relaxed and enjoyed time with family.   Jesus modeled the idea of “retreat” to a solitary place, it is good and refreshing for the soul.   However, the retreat modeled by Christ was a strategic one, not simply the black hole of no intention or the empty mind of unguarded thought.

What exactly does “vacation” mean?  Webster’s describes it as “freedom from any activity;  rest;  respite; intermission; a period of rest and freedom from work, study, etc.    Certainly it means vacating from the activity of vocation.  Certainly it is about vacation from work place activities to paint new memories on the canvas of a vacant lot.  Yet, it is NOT vacating of the mind.  I can get into trouble when I let my mind wander as it switches into neutral.  I must put a “no vacancy” sign out for the enemy and give God the vacant slate upon which to carve the mysteries of His word on the tablet of my heart.   THAT is refreshing to the soul.   It is “retreat strategic” to guard the heart so as to “not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”  (Romans 12:1-2).   Then I am revitalized in the knowing of God’s will.   

SO…..
      Vacation from vocation = Yes!
      Vacation for a vacant mind = NO!
      Vacation that creates a vacant lot upon which to carve truth and healthy   
          thought = Yes!