Vacation recap: God’s presence=rest

Posted by on May 27, 2010 | 8 comments

Last week was hands-down one of the most fun weeks of my life.  Jana and I just got back from spending a week in Gulf Shores, AL, Jana’s childhood vacation spot and the place we were married and had our honeymoon.  At the risk of inciting jealousy here are some pics of our week…

By Friday I was refreshed, energized, and excited to get back and be a part of what God is doing in Spring Hill… very excited.  Obviously, vacation was a blast but here was big take-away from some reading in Hebrews I did in Gulf Shores: God’s presence is rest for the soul unlike any amount of vacation.  Hebrews 4:1-3, 9 says…

… the promise of entering his rest still stands… and we who have believed have entered that rest… There remains then a rest for the people of God.

On our vacation…

  • I gained 3 lbs from eating the best seafood of my life
  • Woke up when I wanted, napped when I wanted, went to bed when I wanted
  • Turned on the phone only once/day to make sure there were no emergencies
  • Never checked email or social networking sites
  • Read three fun books in three days
  • Walked along memory-laden beaches with my bride and watched a sunset with her every evening

But there were still times on vacation when my heart was JUST was turbulent as it is when my to-do list is 1,000 miles long, my sermon prep is behind, and I can’t sleep from worry.  This vacation proved to me forever that even though my body needs physical rest, there is only one thing that can genuinely give me peace and rest in my spirit:  being with The Lord.  I listened to him.  I talked to Him.  I thought about his greatness and beauty and power.  I reflected on his creation. I read his word. I thought about how little I believe in the Holy Spirit. I was just with him.

If you’re slammed, stressed, discouraged, or turbulent bank on the promise of Hebrews 4 and retreat to The Lord to find rest.  He will be rest for your soul.

8 Comments

  1. Julie Howerton | May 28, 2010 at 8:23 am

    What? No pictures of Jana in a bikini or Josh in a speedo? I’m totally kidding of course. The pictures are awesome. Love, Mom

  2. Jordan | May 28, 2010 at 11:14 am

    sounds like a wonderful vacation! Your photos paint a wonderful picture – that one of Jana is beautiful!

  3. Shi | May 28, 2010 at 1:40 pm

    1) I’m glad that you all had a wonderful time. 2) Jana is beautiful! and 3) Do you mean to tell me that you might have stayed up past 8:30??? WOW. :-)

    We prayed for a time of refreshing for you all and I am happy to hear that it happened. We are glad to have you back, though. Love you guys!

  4. sarah | May 28, 2010 at 2:12 pm

    glad you guys got to get away! I’m learning so much about resting in the Lord right now (and for the past 3 years honestly…) It’s exciting and challenging to learn to trust Him!

  5. Heather Perkins | May 29, 2010 at 12:47 pm

    Sounds like you & Jana had a blast. Glad to hear that! (: I’m sure it was well needed. i’ve been praying for ya’ll. It’s amazing to just sit with God and have nothing to worry about on vacations. But i hope you catch up!

  6. Carmen | May 29, 2010 at 1:14 pm

    me = very jealous

  7. Dave | June 5, 2010 at 2:10 pm

    The creepy house is called Skywalk Lodge. Karen and I have been going to Fort Morgan for the last 23 years. Miss you guys.

  8. Josh Howerton | June 7, 2010 at 1:22 pm

    Dave-that’s crazy that you and Karen know that house. When Katrina hit, it was left open and I may or may not have done some “exploring” in it one night while we were down there for our wedding. Weirdly decorated on the inside and CREEPY when you’re in it alone at night.