“I need a vacation!” can be heard every day multiple times around the globe. Everyone yearns for a day they can take a break to rest and relax from work, responsibility, or even chaos. A change from our normal routine seems appealing, and vacations offer such relief.
Planning a vacation stresses me, trying to budget for one stresses me even more, and when I have taken one, I definitely didn’t come back rested. The purpose of vacations is to rest, have recreation, or to travel. Those who seek recreation or travel over rest might have more success than I.
Not many travel destinations appealed to this gal when I was visually impaired, or now that I’m blind. I enjoy going where those I love enjoy going. My family always had too many irons in the fire to leave on a big vacation, other than mission trips. Over time, I not only wanted a vacation, but I needed one! However, between work, responsibilities and life’s circumstances, they were not to be had.
Stress increased and rest decreased. Eventually, the Lord began dealing with me about the importance of rest.
After all, He set the example when He rested on the seventh day. God, Himself, created the world and our universe in six days before resting an entire day. He commanded us to do likewise. He didn’t make man for the Sabbath, but rather, He made the Sabbath for man (Mark 2:27).
Between online shopping, available internet to entertain ourselves in one form or another, and stores open 24/7, rest has become almost obsolete. For those with type A personalities, like myself, the word doesn’t exist in our vocabulary.
Rest is beneficial though. I believe God’s plan was for us to use this time of rest for introspection and evaluation of our relationship with Him. He also designed it for restoration to our body and our soul, which increases productivity.
Can we rest without vacationing?
Rest to one isn’t restful to others, which is important to remember. I had to teach myself to rest since I felt I had to keep busy from the time I rose until I went to bed. Guilt washed over me otherwise.
When God started dealing with me, I forced myself to rest 10 to 15 minutes every afternoon. It might sound crazy to many, but it took a lot to give myself permission to rest. My husband could be considered a workaholic himself, but he didn’t want me to have to do anything. I put expectations on myself.
Here are some of the ways I rested briefly.
- listened to relaxing or praise music
- called a friend to chat
- listened to nature sounds
- sipped on tea or lemonade in summer – hot chocolate, coffee, or tea in winter
- daydream
The above examples are only a start.
When life’s problems mount and you need a vacation for more rest, recreation, or travel, and you’re short on money, time, or help, try some of the following ideas. You can choose to mix and match them to accomplish in one week like a vacation, or you can pick a few to do once a month, once a week, or whatever is necessary for you and your family to achieve true rest.
Always remember, these ideas work best when relying on God who gives supernatural rest and peace. When stress increases, rest decreases, so implement more of these when necessary. Remember, we’re looking for that break from our normal routine for something special and pleasurable.
Take a rest from technology.
After witnessing poverty in Mexico, our family considered going without electricity one day a month in honor of the poor, and to pray for them. I still wish we had, but even though they were in horrible conditions, they were happier because they lived simpler lives. Our children grow up with too much noise. Trust me, I’m definitely learning about sensory overload after losing my sight.
- Leave your phone in the car when shopping or dining out with friends or family.
- At night, tuck your phone in the dresser. Regular alarm clocks can get the job done.
- Trade electronic games for board games. It’s a forgotten interactive type of fun.
- Set the phone & tablets down. Instead of Netflix, choosing a quiet activity once a week is a thought worth considering, like doing crossword puzzles, word searches from a book, regular puzzles, or read a tangible print book. Even coloring is nice… well, for sighted folks, anyway.
- As strange as this may sound, use your phone to actually call someone and a television set for watching a movie together!
Activities and Places to Go
Discover things and events in your own back yard or at least a 50-mile radius. The Chamber of Commerce knows what tourists prefer to see. Event calendars online will let you know of available activities, as well. Start exploring.
- What museums are nearby? Nature centers? Hiking or bike trails? Racetracks?
- Libraries have special programs, besides good books.
- Visit a cemetery. See who lived the longest, had the most unique name, prettiest graving, nicest epitaph, or is decorated the best. Use information gathered to start story-telling when you get home.
- Shop flea markets and thrift stores. Go in with a specific goal or purpose in mind. For example, spend only a $1 to see who finds the best buy, look for 3 books to read, find the craziest hat, get 2 toys to play with, in the car, buy stuff to make a craft project together.
- Take children to a park while you read the Bible or journal, or get a pop at a restaurant with indoor play areas.
- Go to the Farmers’ Market, auctions, or garage sales. Treasures await you.
- Attend dollar movies
- Go fishing or go to the lake with friends where you can camp or my preference, glamping.
- Eat out by choosing daily specials, using coupons, or dining during “Happy Hour.”
- Have the kids pack a picnic once a month.
One More Idea
When considering a way to rest or travel, volunteering normally doesn’t come to the forefront. However, serving and helping others probably offers more benefit than any other kind of trip. I know our mission trips left us feeling as if we had climbed the highest mountain. Communicating without knowing the language is rewarding as well. But, you don’t have to go far to serve. Be sure to check with local churches, schools, parks, or museums. I’m sure you will find somewhere to help without taking a trip with Habitat for Humanity.
I pray you find rest and contentment in all situations. If not, maybe you can find a mission the way my husband did in my newly-released book, “From Mishaps to Mission” God makes all the difference. Be blessed.
Thank you for sharing this with your friends and your willingness to change your focus.
© 2019 – 2025, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
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