This week I’m with my family, my son’s family, my other son’s family, my daughter’s family, and Eric Simmons’ family at the beach. Yes, that’s a lot of people. And we’re here to rest, read, sing, enjoy fellowship, laugh together, grow in our relationship with God and each other, share meals, and build memories. All for God’s glory.

I’ve realized over the years that if I go on a vacation with the intention of serving myself, I’ll come back less refreshed, and have a "sin-fest" along the way. Believe me, I’ve tried it. I’ve also learned that while WE might take vacations, sin and temptation don’t. My surroundings might change for a week, but my heart will still be drawn to exalt my own preferences, feelings, and opinions.

If my joy increases the more I’m like my Savior, then Philippians 2Philippians 2 [2:1]So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, [2]complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. [3]Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. [4]Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. [5]Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, [6]who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, [7]but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. [8]And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. [9]Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, [10]so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11]and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. [12]Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, [13]for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. [14]Do all things without grumbling or questioning, [15]that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, [16]holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. [17]Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. [18]Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. [19]I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. [20]For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. [21]For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. [22]But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. [23]I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, [24]and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also. [25]I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, [26]for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. [27]Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. [28]I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. [29]So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, [30]for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me. (ESV)

tells me that thinking more highly of others is God’s pathway to joy. That truth applies to vacations, too. Vacations are really a unique opportunity for me to express my gratefulness to my family for the gift they are to me. So my prayer is  that this week I will serve them joyfully, encourage them to serve each other joyfully, and celebrate the fact that we can even do this together. I realize, of course, that I’ll fail miserably apart from dependence on the Savior who lives in me by His Spirit.

So I’m taking off from the blog this week. I pray your week is filled with fresh reminders of God’s costly love to you through His Son.

4 Comments »

1. I’m praying for you and your loved ones are on vacation! Thank you for the way you served us at Na. I was DEEPLY ministered to and in many ways set free by the song you sang about parents, and how to relate to them. Is there any way I can can the song, even if it is just the lyrics? Thanks so much and God bless!!

   Comment by Krystl — June 5, 2006 @ 5:43 pm

2. Kristy,

   Thanks for your meaningful encouragement.

   You can get the music and lyrics to the song by e-mailing my assistant, Ruth, at rmedler@covlife.org.

   And THANK YOU for praying. That is so kind of you, and greatly appreciated.

   Comment by Bob Kauflin — June 5, 2006 @ 5:46 pm

3. Thanks so much for the encouraging word. I am on vacation with not much to do this summer (I am a music teacher) I especially related to the “Sin Fest” Along the way…to which I quickly repented….
   Thanks so much

   Comment by David Delgado — June 8, 2006 @ 2:41 am

4. I’ve been aware of your ministry since the Together for the Gospel converence last April. I pastor a french church in the province of Quebec, Canada. God blessed and challenged me like never before during that conference. To Him be the glory. I appreciated your ministry and leadership in worshipping God.

   Thank-you for the insight on your family vacation. It is thought provoking and encouraging as we plan our family vacation later on this summer.

   Comment by Georges Larabie — June 13, 2006 @ 1:51 pm

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