Vacation
Father in Heaven,
Thank You for places near and far
For us to explore and experience;
For creating a world overflowing with
History and humanity, cuisine and color
Unique to the landscapes and locations
We visit on vacation.
Thank You for the rhythm
Of rest, recreation, and re-entry.
Thank you for the opportunity
To step into new cities,
Sleep in new settings,
And wake to new views of the sunrise.
May our vacations bring the welcome gifts
Of spontaneity, creativity, and levity.
Thank You for the gift of waking into a world
Without the weight of work—
Half-finished home projects and un-mowed lawns,
Overdue errands and unfolded laundry,
Quarterly sales reports and employee performance reviews,
Service calls and meeting agendas.
Thank You for the invitation
To be sojourners and travelers,
Adventurers and pilgrims—
To see new locations with a holy imagination
To see ourselves, and to see those we love,
With renewed attention and affection.
Thank You for how the change of place,
And change of pace,
Can reframe and reset our perspective.
May we remember no experience while away
Will be more valuable than truly encountering and connecting
With You and those with whom we will return home.
Thank you for vacation and voyage
However far the journey may be.
May it bring us back with greater appreciation
For the people and place we call home.
Amen.
