I was thinking today… about my vacation. I consider myself a fairly disciplined Christian. I read a few pages of the bible daily, pray, go to church, bible classes and do my best to put God and His will first. I recently took a vacation for a week. I will be honest; I took my bible and never opened it!

I did some prayer at times, but not consistently, and a lot of it selfishly (better weather for the drive, good weather for the beach etc.). It’s like I put God aside instead of keeping Him in the front. I can make excuses like – I haven’t been on a “real” vacation in years, we were busy, it got late and I was tired etc. The fact is I made time for fun, I made time for good food, I made time for family and friends, but I really didn’t allocate any time for God. The sad part is how easy it was to stumble and get off-track.

I do think it is a lesson learned and does show me where my weakness lies and what I need to be aware of in my walk with Jesus. It’s something worth thinking about – so we have to ask ourselves when we are in different surroundings and off our usual schedules, do we put God to the side? Do we lose focus? Do we get caught up in things on our trips and get off track?

Be honest with yourself. Be aware of how easily it can happen. The important thing is to learn from it, ask for forgiveness, repent, do better and get back on track.

(Psalm 37:23-24) The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

(Psalm 139:23-24) Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

(Lamentations 3:40) Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.

(Lamentations 3:22-24) Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

To God be the Glory,

Lynn Manucci Warrick