LSEM > Devotions > Vacated*

Vacated*

  • July 6, 2021
  • Posted by: Carolyn Mahal
  • Category: Devotions
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“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” – James 1:2-4

va·ca·tion

/vāˈkāSH(ə)n,vəˈkāSH(ə)n/

noun

  1. an extended period of leisure and recreation, especially one spent away from home or in traveling.

Today is the last day of my vacation. According to the definition, this should be a day of transition from a period of fun and relaxation back to the normal routine of work responsibilities. I should also be reflecting upon the last several days with a sense of joy and contentment.

Well……I’m not.

To say that this vacation has been a bust would be a total understatement. Here’s the highlights:

  • 4 days of home improvement projects.
  • A surgery for our dog who unexpectedly lost feeling in her hind legs.
  • A leak from an unknown source in the basement that ruined carpeting and furniture.
  • A cancelled anniversary trip with my wife.

Not what I had wanted. Not what I had planned. Our family was blessed to be in a position to be able to deal with all of these situations, but the frustration that came with them has been a burden to bear. Even now as I type this, I am feeling the headache and the pressure that has been all too common lately, thanks to the stress I have been under.

Before I continue, allow me to be clear about something. I am not writing this to garner sympathy. I’m not wallowing in self-pity and I’m not searching for a therapeutic effect from baring my soul. Why is that? Let’s just say that it wasn’t because of my own mature outlook on life or my naturally calm and peaceful demeanor. It has everything to do with a reminder from God.

Our church started a summer Bible study last weekend on the book of James. In preparation, I decided to read the first chapter of the book a few times to prepare for the class. It didn’t take long for me to see what God was teaching me. It started in verse two: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” After reading this, I found myself immediately convicted. The anger and frustration I had been carrying was doing nothing positive for me. In fact, it was preventing me from learning what I needed to learn in the situation. God provided me with what I needed to get through this before it happened. He is actively helping me through it. Most importantly, I am learning things about myself, about life, and about God that will prepare me for life’s future concerns…..or my next vacation.

*Used with permission

 

Devotion by Richard Schumacher

LSEM Director of Programs & Services