By Whitney Lewis
Summer is here at last, and with it comes the anticipation of – and if we’re honest, the pressure to – take a memorable vacation with our family. So we’d best get packing, right?
Most of us would agree that a vacation sounds nice, but a number of factors may cause us to pump the brakes on our plans. Unexpected expenses, a loss of a job or the rising costs of travel can make our dreamed-about destination feel out of reach. Add to that busy schedules or limited time off work and the whole thing can start to feel like more trouble than it’s worth.
But don’t give up just yet.
The Case for the Family Vacation
We’ve all heard the common refrain. “You only get so many summers with your kids; make them count.” Those messages of urgency can feel a little stress-inducing, but there’s some truth to them. The days with our kids (as kids) are precious and deep down, I think we all yearn to make the most of them.
Perhaps you’ve also heard about the research that suggests that memories of family vacations can serve as ‘happiness anchors’ for children long after the vacation ends, providing relief and respite when they face challenges and hardships in life.
And you know the warm, fuzzy feelings you get when you’re on vacation? The ones that seem to melt away stress? Research has revealed that family vacations are also beneficial for brain development in children, providing benefits like reduced stress and the activation of warm, generous feelings towards one other.
We can be assured that God’s Word also supports taking vacations. Our God is a God who values rest and celebration. The pages of Scripture include numerous invitations for God’s people to rest from their work, as well as commands to feast and celebrate God’s good gifts.
It seems clear that there is immense value in a family vacation, both for ourselves and our kids. So how do we make it work when life provides so many obstacles?
We can start by letting go of some assumptions about what vacation should be. It doesn’t have to be fancy, expensive or weeks long. Instead, we can choose to focus on three things that make any family vacation special: set aside time, set aside space and presence.
Set Aside Time
We’ve already established that life as a parent is busy. Work, school, practices, recitals, birthday parties, chores and figuring out what’s for dinner. Every. Single. Day. Slowing down enough to notice – and take in – the good around us doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intention.
Carve out some time – even if just for a weekend – and set up some guardrails to protect that time as sacred. Set your out of office. Tell the coach you won’t be making it to practice. Request a sub for the Sunday school class you teach. All these things allow you to enjoy your pocket of time to relax and just be together.
Set Aside Space
There’s something special about exploring a new place with others. Whether it’s a trail in the mountains or a new playground across town, discovering something new with your family puts you on an even playing field and in a playful posture. Not to mention, when you’re out of your usual spaces, you don’t feel the pull to finish that lingering project or do the laundry. Again. (Those piles never end, do they?)
Pick a place and make it happen. It doesn’t have to be impressive or expensive. It could be as simple as an Airbnb across town with a pool or visiting a state park you’ve never explored. The specific location isn’t what matters most; just that it’s set apart from your usual life.
Presence
Being fully present to God, ourselves and our loved ones allows us to experience deep love, peace and connection. We talk a lot about presence at Youthfront, and the value of being present with our kids. We know it’s important. And still, when we become wound up by stress and busyness, practicing presence can be a real challenge. Fortunately, the slower pace of vacations can provide the time and space to reset.
Once you’ve set aside the time, and you’ve made your way to that set aside space, let yourself just be. Look around. Notice the sounds and smells. Relish in the laughter and delight in the people who matter most to you in the world.
So, let’s agree to give it a shot this summer. Big or small. Local or long distance.
There’s no question that countless sweet memories and connections are made within the walls of our homes and in our daily lives. But outside those walls and that ordinary time await unique opportunities for connection that celebrate the good gifts God has given us.
About Whitney Lewis: Whitney is the Director of Marketing at Youthfront. She is passionate about connecting parents and church leaders with resources and programs that support them in their journey and strengthen the faith of the kids and teens in their care. Whitney and her husband are parents of two active kids, and together they love to travel, play games, read books and do all the sports.
