5. Read a Book that Is Especially Christ-Exalting

I select a number of books for my vacation time — some on current events and some novels. But I also ensure that I have at least one book that is specifically Christ-exalting and nourishing of my spiritual life.

If you are a beach-reader like I am, consider selecting reading material that corresponds with Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” For my vacation, I have selected a book about the second coming of Christ — and I imagine sitting in tropical weather being inundated with truth after truth about the anticipation of Jesus’ coming. I anticipate a holy, beautiful time with the Lord; that is what I humbly, longingly ask of Him.

6. Pick a Biblical Theme for Your Vacation

Many people pick a word for the year. For example, I feel as though God has given me the word “faithfulness” for this year — and perhaps for the rest of my life. I think of faithfulness to my family, faithfulness to my work, and faithfulness to Jesus most of all. This is the word that resonates with me and my spirit. If you select a word for the year, use vacation time to home in on this theme. If you do not, consider asking God for a word of focus for your vacation.

Perhaps as a mom, you notice that you struggle with patience — use this time to love and look longingly at the patience of Christ. You will start to become what you love as you focus on this fruit of the Spirit as your word for vacation. Elevate your interest in spiritual growth during vacation and see what God does in your spirit.

What does God want to do with your vacation? Maybe the whole theme of the vacation is about strengthening family ties. Your passage for meditation, your “word,” and your reading material could focus on this one theme as your eyes look away from the office and toward the gift of family that you have been given. Whatever the Lord gives you for this time, know that you will honor Him with your time away if you ask what He would like to do coinciding with this time of enjoyment for you. He will be pleased and bless your time away.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Cultura RM Exclusive/Bill Sykes