Two Reasons to Vacate

        We have returned from a family vacation, a tour of the Great Lakes - Lakes Michigan, Huron, and Superior.  One fifth of the world's fresh water is contained in the five Great Lakes.  Lake Superior is the largest, deepest, and coldest of the lakes.  Time away on family vacation reminded me of two things:

1.)   We work from our rest.  We can't work effectively or faithfully without adequate rest.  Exhaustion stifles creativity, skill, and the capacity to care.  We may come back to a full e-mail inbox (I had 2,400), but we return with clearer perspective and renewed energy.  

2.)  Vacations create lasting memories.  Do you remember a family vacation as a child?  The long car ride?  The flat tire?  The laughter on a roller coaster ride?  Our oldest child is 9, and we've had the realization that she's halfway through her time at home (if she leaves at 18).  These days are precious and fleeting.  Vacations do come at a cost.  But the memories of the experience will be imprinted on us and our children for decades.  We pass on to our children an appreciation for rest, an awe of created beauty, and a delight in each other's company (even after 24 total hours of driving).  


     Now back to work . . .