Prayer for a peaceful family vacation
By Chelsey Dematteis
Bible Reading:
“I thank God for every time I remember you.” – Philippians 1:3
Listen or read:
Family vacations are the highlight of my year. I love running away with the people I love and creating memories that last a lifetime. The older I get, the more stories I have to tell around the dinner table, the more my cup runs with joy.
I had the cheerful memories of a prayer mantis inside the window, a dinosaur screaming in a car, and after turning my family over, I was frantically looking at the water, and I continued to live a dear life. Then there were sweet memories of sharing photos we took on news that we were hoping for a second child and being able to see our son on the lake for the first time.
These memories are treasures, memories are gifts, but they are people I can spend time with. I believe this is what God continues to teach me as my family and I am old. The memories he gave us are beautiful reminders that remind us how faithful he is to fill our hearts with reminders of great joy. These reminders are needed at the Valley of Life and the summit. They will stabilize, appreciate and hope for what God has planned for us.
Also, not every moment is perfect when families are gathering. I think the idea of family vacations or extended stays can be very stressful. There are ways to find joy in the time spent. I think peace washes us away and more stressful moments when we shift our perspective slightly from travel and time that revolve around our needs and look at that point as a way to create lasting memories.
God also spends his time gathering us together as a way to learn more about Him and His heart for us. When you think about it this way, it helps to that perspective. We know that it’s not the easiest thing for us to be around all the time. But being with others can remind us of how God expands his love.
Another thing that may be the most important lesson God teaches me every time we take is that I can be a peaceful being or be the opposite. I am more certain that you are a peaceful being, too. When you approach your holiday destination or gather at home with family and friends, you need to stop and pray. Let us pray for peace, joy, comfort, and the presence of the Lord that we can feel throughout us. As believers, it is ours to remember that in all circumstances we walk faithfully with God. That means he is the gifter and bearer of his peace.
Isaiah 26:3 In all you do, you will be soaked in His peace. “You trust him in you, so you will keep him in perfect peace that will keep him in you.”
Let’s pray:
Father, thank you to the people you put in my family, even if it is challenging to be around them. I pray that I will be part of the family that will provide you with a peaceful presence to those around me. It reminds me that in times when I felt like I was stretched and challenged, I am called to walk faithfully in your way: peace, joy, self-control. God, I pray in that moment, because you know this is not always easy for me, I lean towards the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He approaches my family and approaches me. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Thomas Barwick
Chelsea is the voice of my life, who lives a life of Christ in a world that is hardly podcasts and devoted to him for 52 weeks, who lives a life of Christ in a world that is centered around me. She writes Lifeway Women’s Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and Devotions for Ibelieve.com. She also writes a Bible Reading Plan for the Youversion Bible app. Chelsea lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and her website chelseydematteis.com.
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Are you tired of being spiritually exhausted? You’ve come to the right place! Join us in the age of prayer, reflection and meditation. Put your day’s luggage behind you, refresh, update, and reconnect with God. Who is the one who never shakes you up? Explore poem sal 15 with today’s 10 minutes of devotion. If you like what you hear, you won’t miss an episode.
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