My family and I got back a few days ago from a nearly two-week trip to the western part of the Midwest, what we used to consider "home." Having spent most of my life in the states of Minnesota, South Dakota, and Nebraska to a lesser extent, there will always be a part of me that considers that area "home." Now we find ourselves on the "east coast of the Midwest," which is the state of Ohio. The US Census Bureau considers Ohio to be in the Midwest, but many from back in our old home area consider Ohio to be something different entirely. To be fair, the geography of Ohio is a bit different, with much fewer wide-open spaces and roads that are much windier.
In our day and age, with people much more mobile than in previous generations, it is not that difficult to remain connected to our old home area, to make a visit every once in a while. But it still is a long drive there from Ohio, not one that I want to make terribly often, especially with three young children in tow!
What purpose does vacation serve, especially for pastors? When I was younger and unmarried, without a family, vacation was, to be honest, rather boring. I was allotted four weeks out of the year to spend away from my congregation, and that time seemed to drag. When I became closer to Theresa and was approaching engagement and eventual marriage, vacation took on a different purpose. I knew I needed to spend that time wisely, as I was fulfilling responsibilities to others, not just myself.
At the moment, vacation often seems like more work than simply staying put. Making all arrangements for lodging and other plans, not to mention the trip itself, is exhausting. Keeping our three children happy and properly nourished while on the road is a challenge. Thankfully, they are good travelers and handle themselves well.
Even though vacation nowadays is not the most relaxing experience, I continue to believe it is important. Having the chance to step away from the daily routine is key to avoiding burnout. And given the schedules that pastors deal with, having adequate time away is important. Because we are occupied with work on weekends and all major holidays, we need to be able to connect with family and friends during vacation time.
Perhaps most importantly, vacation helps us appreciate home. At the end of two weeks, I find myself ready to get home and resume my usual routine. It was a satisfying feeling pulling the van into Thornville the other afternoon. After seven months, it is now feeling like home.