As I approach the beginning of a long awaited vacation, many thoughts go through my mind, as I imagine they do for you when you prepare to go away.  Regardless of the destination, remembering to purchase those last minutes items you need, getting the right clothes for the trip, not forgetting your toothbrush, finalizing the travel route or plane flights and confirming reservations are all part of the preparation and anticipation of those rewarding days or relaxation and relationships.  (Or at least, that's the plan . . . )

Vacations are a time to get away from the regular routine, to escape the pressures of our jobs, to blow off some steam on activities we normally wouldn't attempt, to gain back lost sleep, or rebuild relationships that seem to have fallen off during the busyness of life.  Thinking back on many of our family vacations, I notice that they also bring along with them the temptation to take a vacation from God.  Our regular routine of attending services, going to home church and serving others often take a break during our summers as we plan these various getaways.  And that is OK.  But I have noticed a tendency during those breaks to also get out of our routines of spending time with God, pursuing Jesus, and maintaining relationships that would encourage us in our spiritual life.

As long as I view my spiritual life as a collection of tasks to accomplish, or a checklist to keep up with during the year, then it will always be easy for me let it slide when I am away, or even just during those lighter summer months.  But our spiritual walk is all about a relationship with a person.  To always get to know Jesus better.  To spend time with him.  We don't ever need a vacation from him.  So this year, as I think about going away, I am excited to not only spend time with my family and enjoy their company, I am excited about spending time with Jesus and enjoying his company.  I pray that as we all go through these upcoming summer months we will be reminded to not put Jesus on the back burner, but will pursue our relationship with him throughout.  Then, when we look back at the end of the summer, we can truly say that it was a time of renewal and refreshment.

Here are excerpts from those being baptized at Hope Chapel this week...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0DYWoJrtxc

and the slide show from IMPACT Camden when we helped "Tent City"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C44QMydBzsE

and IMPACT Philly

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHhhzUNzfvk&feature=channel_page