Psalm 92:4  
“You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! 
I sing for joy because of what you have done.” (NLT)

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I need a rest from my vacation.

It seemed like a good idea to leave our vacation spot after ten o’clock in the evening so that we could sleep on the long plane ride across the ocean. Two hours of sleep after a week of travel and adventure is probably not sufficient. Three cups of coffee in the early morning at the next airport did not adequately revive my soul.

Dropping into bed that night should have led to immediate shuteye. Instead, my brain was still on island time while my body begged for recovery. I was too tired to sleep. 

Monday was a day to push through. It was a day for shallow thought and busywork. Tuesday was better, but still a bit of a drag until God showed up. Now, to be sure, he’s always there. Or better yet, he’s always here. Sometimes, we simply miss him, and sometimes he prefers to remain anonymous until we seek him and acknowledge him.

Often, he shows up in the most unexpected places, like Starbucks. A long conversation was bumping along as my focus was still lagging and my energy was still sagging. Two employees ignored me for a bit as I sought to enrich their day with a strategic purchase for myself and a friend. Their coworker was having a day, but let’s not go there. This gave me the opportunity to pray for each of them as they toddled about their tasks. 

A young man entered and sat for a long time with an older mentor. They were engrossed in a similar discussion to ours. I prayed for them. A small group of mostly younger women celebrated together with a gift, laughter, and caffeine-infused energy. A couple of people sat by themselves and made it clear they chose to be alone. Of course, I had to pray for them.

My coworker is a better conversationalist than I. She carried the load of our discussion with our partner from another organization. An hour into our meeting, our friend asked a question, and revival occurred. 

The week before vacation was a slog. So many details have to be accounted for before a weeklong exodus. Vacation was good and often great, but the travel was fatiguing. I was still slogging along a day and a half into the return to work when that question landed in just the right place at just the right time. 

The verse above says the psalmist sang. I didn’t sing, not out loud, but I suddenly couldn’t shut up. Energy I didn’t know I still had burst forth. God reminded me of what he has been doing in our lives and in our work. Looking back provided confidence and strength for what he will do next. 

It took a while to get to sleep last night. Again. This time was different, however. This was because the celebration was still going on. Refreshment arrived. Renewal began. Focus returned. 

I like vacation.

I love the work God sets before me and empowers me to accomplish in his strength for his glory. 

How can I sleep when God is shouting? How can I rest when he is filling my heart and mind with new possibilities? 

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I will lean into this fresh breeze blowing from heaven.

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Our Father, thank you for the work you have called me to. Thank you for respite and rest. Thank you for providing energy that can only come from you for what only you can accomplish. Thank you for refreshing my life. Amen.