Soul Staycation
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[0 Comment]Last week my family took part in the hip and, for many, obligatory recession trend of 2009. Yes, that's right—we went on "staycation."
I don't know who originally coined this concept, but I began to see the word showing up in popular media last summer. Gas prices had hit an average of 4 dollars a gallon, so families—wanting to save money—decided to discover the sites closer to home. "Staycation" even became number 6 on Time Magazine's Top 10 Buzzwords of 2008.
When my husband and I first talked about jumping on the bandwagon, I was incredulous. It seemed, well, boring. However, I was soon persuaded by the romantic notion of "exploring my own backyard." The concept of a staycation is quaint—conjuring up nostalgic images of a time when families enjoyed one another and their local surroundings without many of the modern "conveniences" we have today. There's a simplicity and sweetness found in the idea. I'll admit I was also enamored with the ease of staying home, which I assume most moms are. Saving money on gas and fast food that I'll only scold myself for eating? Not traveling in the car with our five-month-old daughter? Okay, I think I can handle this.
So we bought our favorite foods, researched cheap activities in our town, and then instead of spending hours in the car, we just … stayed. We relaxed. We talked. We read. We connected with each other.
I had a difficult time adjusting those first few days. I felt unproductive and lazy. Isn't it weird that I felt I should have been productive … on vacation? But here I was—at home with no responsibilities and still unable to truly relax.
I don't think I'm the only one who struggles with restlessness. Jesus addressed our longing in Matthew 11:28-29: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Our response to Jesus' invitation is two-fold, and it's vital that we heed both parts. First, we come. He calls, then we listen and respond. Rest for the weary is found in fleeing to him. "I will arise and go to Jesus," says the old hymn. He is waiting for us to go to him in prayer and enter his presence.
Once we answer his invitation, we stay. We wait for him. We rest in his love. The only action we take is opening our hands and lives to the work of the Holy Spirit.
The posture of staying is wildly unconventional. It's not based on our productivity, which is where many of us, myself included, easily place our worth. Our culture teaches us that who we are is intrinsically linked to what we do. Christ has never seen his children that way.
As we rest in Jesus, our focus shifts from productivity to receptivity. Open hands. Open heart. He will give us the deep refreshment and satisfaction our hearts desire. There is nothing to prove here; it is simply a haven of his bountiful grace. Abide in Christ (John 15), and from that posture of receptivity you will grow into richer faith and closer discipleship.
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