Acting beachy

Going to the beach is really bad for my theology.

Or at least this vacation was.

On the plus side, I get away from my daily routines, get out of my own head for a bit to reset.  I relax about what I eat [and drink].  I turn off my alarm clock.  I play.  I soak in beloved family time.  I don't clean things.  I don't cook much.  My level of responsibility drops low.

But I'm easily spoiled.  So my relaxation slides smoothly into selfishness, my recreation into snark.


As my responsibility drops, my expectations rise.  Why isn't everything going my way?  Why should I bend my will to anyone when I'm on vacation?  And why are there unpleasant creatures in the water at my beach?


It's fun to build sand castles and jump waves; it's also fun to gossip and mutter.  And when my soul's eyes get crossed I think vacation is for all of the above.


Why not graze on birthday cake Oreos and double-spiked daiquiris?  Meh, I'm on vacation!  Why not find fault with anyone besides myself?  Meh, I'm on vacation!

Mark Jones says, "A lack of discipline in areas such as food, exercise, and drink typically reflects a lack of discipline in other areas of the Christian life." 


Whether Jones is completely right about what reflects what, it does take great care to relax for a week without taking a vacation from the pursuit of virtue.

Which is ridiculous--that my heart wouldn't rise with thankfulness while surrounded by such a lovely family and His beautiful creation--knowing those things are but tastes of and pointers to His massive love and the Great Story He is writing.

Think what Spirit dwells within thee,

Think what Father's smiles are thine,

Think that Jesus died to win thee;

Child of heaven, canst thou repine?

-Henry Lyte, "Jesus I My Cross Have Taken"