...other meditations

vacation from yourself

are you thinking about taking that dream vacation? everybody needs some rest and relaxation from time to time. when leaving for a vacation, we leave our worries and troubles behind and forget about them for a while. after all, a vacation is not a true vacation if you're not leaving everything behind. but, there's usually one thing we never leave behind: ourselves! with that said, may i interest you in a vacation from yourself; a permanent one?

so, what do i mean by all this? there's only one way i can explain. i know God has a wonderful life planned for me. He wants to show me around and experience all of the sights and attractions He has laid out for me. He also wants to bless me by allowing me to take home memories and souvenirs along the way. however, i get in the way of the journey that God has planned. when i get in the way, i am allowing fear, doubt or busyness to take over. if only i could surrender myself to Him and allow Him to lead! easier said than done in most cases. though, it's something worth striving for. it's hard to loosen the grip on our human emotions. although they are natural, they don't have to control us. here is a scripture verse that helps me to remember Who is in control of my life.

a man's steps are directed by the Lord. how then can anyone understand his own way?
proverbs 20:24

a bit rhetorical, but the bottom line is that the Lord directs our footsteps. God guides even the footsteps of powerful people. yet, sometimes we fool ourselves into thinking that we don't need the Lord's direction. we think we can achieve true happiness through our own efforts; using our own power and will. we would not get very far. picture moses; a great leader of the old testament, living daily under God's guidance. moses never tried to change the plan of God so that he could have his own way. on the contrary, moses freed himself and gave himself totally to God. he allowed God to instruct him throughout his days. i'm sure moses had moments of concern and fear as we do, but those emotions didn't control him. he yearned for the guidance of God and cleaved to His will.

God is in control! He is in control of everything; from the littlest detail to the largest! the sooner we learn and live this truth, the sooner we can head off our hurts and disappointments when things don't go the way we plan. let Him lead you; loosen your tight grip on life. do you want to live life, or do you want life to live you? the next time you are faced with a difficult situation, remember those four words: God is in control!

i encourage every one (including me) to take a permanent vacation from yourselves. take a load off and rest in the arms of God. allow Him to plan your next day, your next month or year. let Him take care of the reservations and set the course for your life. when we come home from a vacation, our troubles still await us. likewise, even under the guidance and direction of God, we will still struggle with issues. however, God is faithful and He loves you. He will help you through any situation that you are facing. praise the Lord, for He is good!

striving to take a break from me,

tamara