You owe it to yourself to discover the place that in my opinion has gotten the lion's share of natural beauty when God created our planet.

Personally, it reminds me of my younger days. Beth and I were in our 30s. We thought we were old then. As we enter our late 40s, I realize that back then; we were still young adults by today's definition. We lived in the area when our kids were barely starting elementary school. It is where I got my start as a rookie pastor in the most gracious church.

Beth and I were relocating our young family from Regina to Vancouver, having chosen to drive south of the border passing through Montana, Idaho and Washington. That was the beginning of what was to become a healthy pattern, a family tradition, regular (read: "frequent, consistent") vacations. The warm summers and mild winters remind me of times of reading and reflection.

Fourteen years ago today (June 29, 2009), I stumbled into a place called Starbucks and ordered my first frappuccino. I had just graduated from seminary.  We were driving through Everett on the way to begin our first pastorate. The cross country drive and the stopovers in cafes characterize our family times together. It also reminds me of seasons of writing sermons and food for thought articles such as this one. Yes, while on a road trip, I prepared my first sermon series prior to Canada Day long weekend in 1995. Before my official start date as pastor, I served as church camp speaker. I recall that there were only a few campers. The ones who came had fond memories of that weekend. The camp deficit was overshadowed by the highlight that at least three persons committed their lives to Jesus Christ.

Summer, overnight and daytime long drives, hot or iced coffees, flip-flops and shorts, baseball cap, barefoot-walk on beaches, sun block, singing, goofing around with the kids, studying my wife (guys - read that once again & slower), reading, writing, going for strolls or hikes, riding bikes, eating at our favorite dining spots and discovering new ones - ah, it is good to be alive. On this side of eternity, it is as good as it gets.

I just described how my family usually spends our vacation. It is good to have periods of rest and unstructured time. All work and no play make little Johnny and Jane dull. So, as one of my former bosses would say, "work hard and play hard." John Stott, in his book, Between Two Worlds, recommends that a person take an hour break every day, a day of rest every week, and so on. If I recall correctly, taking a weekend every quarter, a month off out of the year are good healthy practices especially for people in highly demanding jobs. Some need longer and more time to rest and recharge; some need less. Of course, this does not mean that the whole period of break is all play, leisure and pleasure. It involves times of reflection, reading, studying and writing. Engage in some wholesome and creative activities that are different from work.  Rest is serious enough in God's own agenda that the Lord Himself took a day off and rested from His creative work. He even decreed "rest" as one of His top ten commandments.

So before the calendar month reads "September" make sure you have thought about and planned your weekend, 1-2-3 week long or month-long break. And if you're not taking any day off or any breaks at all, who are you trying to impress? Certainly, not God. In fact, all work and no breaks is a recipe for burn out.

Follow Jesus' example. In the midst of a busy ministry, He often went to solitary places alone or He would bring His closest buddies (James, Peter and John) or ask His team to "come away."

Return to your favorite place. Take time to disengage from your routine. Let your hair down. Stop wearing your shoes for a week or two and let your pale toes breathe fresh air and allow your feet to soak some sunshine; even your toenails need to get out of their enclosed confinement and get a break - so do your body, mind, heart and soul. Keep the Sabbath.

Relax. Recharge. Rest.

ricky p. mapa, pastor