Happy Thanksgiving!
Many of you are enjoying a fun-filled day with family and friends in the kitchen and around the table, watching a good movie or football game, or playing your favorite board games. Some of you have chosen to make this a low-key day, not spending the day in the kitchen, but picking up food somewhere or even going out to eat.
I purposely chose to take this week as a “Stay-cation.” I took vacation days beginning Tuesday of this week, but I didn’t go anywhere. I’ve been overseas for two weeks in the middle of a very busy fall. Preparing for that trip on top of planning for the Girls’ Getaway in September, overseeing the hospitality ministry at church, teaching our women’s Bible study each week, and planning for our upcoming Christmas Dinner in a week has left me feeling depleted in many areas.
When I returned home two weeks ago, I knew I had to slow down and take a break. I needed time for God to replenish me and fill me up so I would be able to give from the overflow in my life, not from a empty vessel.
I had numerous invitations to spend Thanksgiving with friends, but I chose to spend this week (including Thanksgiving Day) at home (with my two lovable kitties Hobson and Hannah). No places I had to be at a certain time, no deadlines to meet, no projects hanging over me. Instead, I chose to move at a leisurely pace and have extended times with the Lord each morning. It was just what I needed, and I already feel replenished and rejuvenated.
As an extrovert/introvert, I’m content when I’m alone, and I’m content when I’m surrounded by a roomful of people. This week, though, I needed time alone. Time to reflect on all the blessings God has given me, time to reflect on my stage in life and how God wants me to spend each day, and time to rest and hear from the Lord on some things I’ve been praying about.
I’m thankful for the “Stay-cation” this week. It’s been a needed mini-retreat with the Lord. He has used this time to refresh me.
When’s the last time you took a “Stay-cation” – a vacation at home without going anywhere and without having any set schedule? How did God use that time in your life?
