We just returned from taking a break from our daily routine. We spent time with our daughter and her family at a Jellystone themed park, just a few hours’ drive from our home. The park was nice, with cabins and campsites, along with a water park and other activities to keep the grandkids busy for a few days.
It was a sunny day, with a cool breeze that kept us from getting overheated. We played miniature golf, watched the grandchildren swim, went fishing and roasted marshmallows over a campfire to make s’mores. Our son-in-law grilled steaks for dinner, and Grandma admitted she ate too much. Their cabin had everything needed for a short stay, but we stayed in a nearby hotel.
Our son-in-law mentioned that Houston was only 30 miles from the park. We had postponed our trip to the Filipino stores in Houston, so this was our chance. Driving in Houston is always a challenge, but after an early start, we made it in time for an early lunch. My wife filled up the car with Filipino food, drinks and baked goods. Satisfied with her loot, we headed home. Our short break had come to an end.
It was a welcomed break for all of us, but we shouldn’t take a break from JESUS! While we were playing miniature golf with our family, a couple of teenagers grew impatient with our slow pace. It was our turn and we asked them to wait for us to finish, but they became more intrusive. In frustration we made a few sharp remarks that didn’t seem to faze them. We were upset with them at the time, but later our own response bothered us more. Sometime later I realized we should have let them go ahead of us. We had six players and they were only two, so it took us more time to play. We could have been a witness, but took a break from our Christianity and got upset instead.
Another break I took was from helping at our Church. A gifted speaker was visiting from Africa and I should have been there to help. I enjoyed a break with my family while others took my place at Church. I didn’t sin, but I did what I wanted to do, while others did what needed to be done. I hope they received the spiritual blessing I missed out on because of their faithfulness.
Good thing GOD didn’t take a break when we needed Him. We had upset GOD so many times, but He “so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). JESUS had more reason to lash out as He was unjustly treated, but He was obedient unto death. He could have given His attackers “a piece of His mind” but He said “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34 KJV) and shed His blood for them. JESUS paid a price He didn’t deserve, to give us a break we didn’t deserve. He gave us the “power to become the sons of God” (John 1:12 KJV).
Wayne Lance (2018)