Article April 11, 1970 Issue

"Green isles of refreshment"

BARBARA-JEAN STINSON

Everyone, at times, longs for a vacation. But are these pleasant periods opportunities merely to be free from responsibilities and to seek variety, knowledge, culture, or adventure? If so, the days we have been counting on for relaxation may not measure up to our hopeful anticipations. To be fully enjoyable, a vacation must be spiritually profitable. In fact, if it doesn't spiritually uplift one its pleasure and educational value will tend to be dulled, and memories of it may be disappointing.

In contrast, how enriching and revivifying a vacation can be when it is spiritually motivated! Restful, inspiring activity, born of Spirit, demonstrates the truth of the Biblical promise in the twenty-third Psalm, "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters."^{Ps. 23:2;} Even Christ Jesus, who could instantaneously turn to God, the unburdened Life that constituted his true selfhood, maintained a balanced sense of activity. But he made the most of these periods of rest. He often stopped teaching and healing and went alone into the hills or desert to pray, to refresh himself with spiritual ideas and times of quiet reflection. That he recognized the rightness of proper refreshment is shown in his considerate words to his disciples, "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat."^{Mark 6:31;}

The desire for a normal amount of worthwhile activity with loved family or friends, as well as broadening cultural experiences, is a right desire. These refreshing vacation activities will be smoothly scheduled and satisfying as we recognize that God's abundant goodness is providing us with right activity.

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