A couple of weeks ago I mentioned this is the time of year that people begin to get away from the day-to-day grind to recharge their batteries, and refocus on one’s time and energy to what’s most important to them, especially, their relationship with God and reconnecting with their families by being present.
For myself, my family vacation was a couple of weeks ago. Like most people, I know when it is time. The little mouse upstairs in my head is not going so fast, it takes all of me to muster up the energy to get through that last week and everyday seems like Friday!
This year’s vacation destination was Lake George in New York, a place I highly recommend. Our first day was full of adventure from driving up one of the mountains to walking up another. We faced more inclines on that mountain than I care to remember, not to mention the bugs, rocks, and brush. Every time we leveled off, there was another incline around the bend. There did not appear to be a mountain top in sight and I was like a little kid asking, “Are we there yet?”
The second day of our trip, besides resting at the lakeside, was parasailing with my daughter first thing in the morning. She could not coax my wife or son to go with her and I just could not disappoint her. For somebody who is afraid of heights, I was praying the whole time leading up to takeoff that my daughter might just back out (little did I know she was thinking the same thing). I am really glad that neither one of us backed out because the views were spectacular and both of us have a remarkable story to tell.
The third day was a trip to Vermont (finally visited every state in the colony) where we made the obligatory purchase of maple syrup. Our fourth and final day was back at the lake sitting by the lakeside.
Now you might be asking yourself, “John, what does this have to do with “Building Up the Body of Christ?” So here it goes.
The mountain represents life and life’s challenges that God puts in front of us. Every time we think we have done what God has asked of us and we reach smooth sailing, God has more in store for us, more challenges, more mountains to climb in the hopes of reaching the mountain top which represents, in my story, heaven.
The parasailing represents our fears and things we cannot control, but if we put our trust in God and put all our faith in Him, there will be nothing but smooth sailing and breathtaking views.
The final day represents, yes you guessed it, the day of rest!
So, as you venture off on your vacation, or you are having a rollercoaster of a ride in your daily life, there is a message from God in it for you. I encourage you to take the time to listen and hear the message that God is giving to you in helping Build Up the Body of Christ.
God Bless,
John G. Napoli
