Spring Break! Really? - by Ron Bekkering

Since some of you will be gone this weekend and you won’t get to hear my sermon on finishing up the Core teachings, I thought I would send you off with a little something to take with you.  Spring Break is all too well known as the monumental vacation for families all over the world. Every year multiple tens of thousands of people travel to top tropical destinations where they experience the most beautiful beaches and the most outrageous resorts!

Cancun, Acapulco, Panama City Beach, Puerto Vallarta, Daytona, South Padre Island, Siesta Key, and Myrtle Beach are just a partial list of the “hotspots.” Many companies offer huge discounts with complete packages offering the Ultimate Spring Break Experience. They advertise them boldly saying “You can’t miss this opportunity of a lifetime!”

Really?

Others will say, “Oh yes, Spring Break!” The times to kick back, relax, and not think about work, school and studying. Days filled with sleeping in, watching TV, lounging around wearing comfy clothes that just might have been slept in, and showering only when necessary. Weekdays filled with playing electronic games, shopping, movie nights, and maybe even sleepovers.

For many during Spring Break, it’s about eating whatever they want, waking up whenever they want, and doing whatever they want because they’re on vacation. Living the Spring Break dream. And no one judges them for it!

Again, really?

I mean, it’s good to rest and take a break! Relaxation helps us build up our energies for the things we face in life.  I am a huge fan of vacations, breaks, days off, and anything that gives me a chance to decompress, rest, recharge my batteries, and gives me a break from this hectic world.

But here is something we don’t want to forget while we’re on Spring Break. Or a vacation from work, or anytime, for that matter.

Do you stop spending time with God just because you are on vacation?

During this time God can be pushed aside, because, um, well, He probably would not want to do most of the things we are involved with Spring Break activities. Maybe you seem to have so many things to accomplish during your vacation that you are just too busy to stay connected with him.

One more time, really?

When you’re on Spring Break or any vacation time, remember it is not a vacation from your relationship with God, too. Vacations are great. Spring Break is fine, provided you remember and live the “Core” values God shares with you. Getting some much needed rest is icing on the cake! But remember: don’t take a break from God!

Continue to read the Bible. Continue to talk with God throughout the day in prayer. Continue to go to church if you are reasonably near a congregation. I would even dare to say… don’t sleep in every day. Wake up at a normal hour and rather than getting ready for classes, or work, grab a cup of coffee and your Bible, head to the pool or beach and spend time with God.

This week, enjoy your Spring Break or your vacation time. Just remember that it isn’t a break from God, too. He still loves us and wants to hear from us. He still wants us to live His way of life. 

And yes, He still wants to be a part of our lives… even while we’re on vacation! Enjoy!

 

God Rocks and We Roll,

Ron Bekkering

Director of High School and College Ministry

Redeemer United Methodist Church