They were nearing a town in Florida spelled “Kissimmee”. They noted the strange spelling and tried to figure how to pronounce it - “KISS-a-me”; “kiss-A-me”; “kiss-a-ME”. They grew more perplexed as they drove into the town.
Since they were hungry, they pulled into a place to get something to eat. At the counter, the man said to the waitress:
"My wife and I can't seem to be able to figure out how to pronounce this place. Will you tell me where we are and say it very slowly so that I can understand?"
The waitress looked at him and said: "Buuurrrgerrr Kiiiinnnng."
Vacation season is now upon us. Many people are travelling; and my own family will certainly be among them. Likely yours will be as well.
No matter where you go, or what place or places you visit, I hope you will be able to find rest and relaxation along the way. I also hope that the unfolding events of your travel will result in a great many smiles.
Studying the lives of Biblical servants such as Elijah show us that getting away to a quiet place for some “R and R” can be a refreshing experience.
After a stressful day at work, wherein he was charged by God with the responsibility of parading into the presence of the King and informing him that there would be no rain for the next three plus years, Elijah arguably needed some time away. Thus, we read (in 1 Kings 17:2-6):
Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.”
So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.
Thus, vacations can be good for the human body. But they can also be good for the human spirit.
The Gospels (in Matthew 14, Mark 1, Luke 5 and 6, etc…) tell us that Jesus Christ “frequently” went away by Himself in order to renew His spiritual life. He would do this through uninterrupted time alone with the Heavenly Father.
So, my friends, during this vacation season, feel free to go… travel… eat… rest… relax… enjoy… and laugh… It will be good for you. But as you do, make sure to take some time to get alone with God as well. In the process, talk with Him about any and everything you desire to know.
He can handle all you might want to know – questions like “Where are you now in life?” “How did you get here?” More importantly, perhaps, “Where do you need to go from here?” And above all, “How will you get there?”
As this conversation unfolds, listen carefully. You might just be surprised at what all He has to tell you!
JOKE SOURCE: Available widely in varying versions on the internet. See, for instance, http://www.ahajokes.com/tra14.html.
SCRIPTURE SOURCE: http://biblehub.com/niv/1_kings/17.htm.