“The Lord is wonderfully good for those who wait on him and seek him.”
Lamentations 3:25
I recently took a much-needed vacation to Florida with my husband, three children, and dear friends of ours and their boys. Vacations are precious to us as a family for a variety of reasons. They are time where we are all on the same sleep pattern. You see, my husband and I both work for hospitals and, as I am sure you know, hospitals never close. So, we work opposite shifts. I work days and he works nights. In between we manage the three children, their activities, our home life and time for ourselves and one another. I would be telling a lie if I said at times I didn’t miss my husband because the truth is I do. But, this is the life God had given to us and honestly, we are good at it (most days) and it works.
God is so amazing (as we all know). Normally on our family vacations (which we take EVERY summer) we rush from theme park to theme park and fill it full of activities daily. In May of this year I started calling this trip my “Florida vacation” (not the Disney vacation) not for any real reason other than what I felt at that time was a genuine desire to NOT squander away thousands of dollars at Disney theme parks. I now see how Gods plan was completely part of my thinking and the words I was speaking.
I signed up for the Proverbs 31 online bible study in late July. Little did I know how life changing this would be and what an integral part this Florida Vacation would be in my early success at really digging into Gods word. Jeremiah 29:13 says “If you look for me in earnest you will find me when you seek me.” Well, I had so many opportunities to do just that since we planned for a relaxing Florida vacation. First, we traveled by Amtrak Auto Train to Florida 17 hours traveling overnight. Then once we arrived I spent many days with my family in leisurely activities that included quietly playing board games, watching movies together, reading, activities at the resort like paddle boats and mini golf. My children slept later than me most days (something that RARELY ever happens) and even willingly took naps! In addition, we had plenty of time in the pool. It was in those MANY quiet moments (especially at the pool) that I was able to really talk to God. To ask Him questions, to thank Him for his kindness and goodness in my life and to say to him “Whats next, Lord?” And as this online bible study is teaching us all, to say “Yes” to God.
I do not believe that you have to take a trip to Florida to be brought closer to God. Really, you do not have to even leave your house. But, God knows what we need far better than we do. He knew what sort of vacation I needed and he gave it to me ten-fold. He asks for so little in return and I often fall short, but I thank God for his words in the book of Lamentations 3:23 says “Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh every day.” So, each day I will continue to try and be better.
I do not think that I have EVER returned from vacation this relaxed and ready. I give God all the praise for making it one of the best family vacations ever!
PS – My children were not TOTALLY deprived of the Disney Experience (See below…)
Magic Kingdom Fireworks 8.12.13
We Were There!
All Things Darcey 
I LOVE the picture of your pretty, polished toes in the sand! What a wonderful vacation!
Thanks! We went to Clearwater Beach as part of the FLORIDA vacation. It was absolutely beautiful!
That is amazing! Too many times we come home from what was supposed to be a vacation to being more stressed then before we left!
Leah you are exactly right! I have been vacationing all wrong for years LOL! My kids still had an amazing time without running in 10 directions from sun up to sun down daily in 90+ degree heat!
Darcey
God can meet us anywhere for sure, but I think He does call us ‘away’ sometimes—away to quiet and rest so we can hear Him more clearly 🙂 I’m glad you had that chance to rest, refresh and recharge!
Wow this is for me! As I plan for probably the last WDW vacation this coming spring break and already ….plan plan plan on when and where to go what to eat I havent planned on down time in Florida! This is WDW …no time to rest…but maybe just maybe thats what we are needing just time to relax and spend family time at a magical place with my junior and 2 seniors! They are almost leaving the house definitely we need to spend down time with them and what a better place? Thanks for the slow down wake up call!
You are welcome Brandi!
My children definitely didn’t miss a thing but taking it easy was the best part of things. Each child still selected something they HAD to do and we made that happen. But, the pool and visiting the beach (Clearwater Beach was beautiful and only an hour away) was great. I have a new outlook on vacation now! God made this the best one yet!
Loved how we need to take time to relax and get away. That God can speak to us anyplace but He chose to refresh, recharge you and quiet you into His Presence on a beach. God knows what we need and we just need to listen more. Thanks for sharing how God met your needs and provided a relaxing vacation and a quiet time to get close to Him.
Marilyn V OBA Group Leader
This vacation was the best ever for so many reason but 100% because I was with God in a way that I usually am not on vacation. Most times I need “vacation” from my vacation!
Darcey
Thank you for sharing how God can meet us wherever we are! Happy God provided for your needs as a family!
Sometimes we do just need to sit and wait and be quiet don’t we!? I need some of this in my life right now!
This Florida girl loves that your “Yes to God” post is about the Sunshine State. 🙂
I’m so glad you had such a wonderful vacation. It is alway frustrating to be on the go non-stop during a vacation and that is always how our Disney trips seem to play out. I too have been amazed about how life changing our P31 Bible study has been. Thanks for a reminder to slow down on our next trip!
i love the Scriptures you shared in this post — some of my favorites. So nice to “meet you” through the OBS blog hop! 🙂