The Value of Vacation

Webster's definition of "vacation" is a period spent from home or business in travel or recreation.  It is a scheduled period during which normal every day activities are suspended.  Rest, a change of scenery, a visit to an interesting destination...these may all be considered a time of vacation.

Vacations have great value in my mind.  I recently had a privilege of going on a week's vacation to Florida for a family reunion.  I realized during that week how important it was for me to leave work and home responsibilities for a short season to be refreshed, enjoy my family, good food, a good book and time to play on the beach in the sun, sand and warm water.  When I returned, I was surprised to think I had only been gone a week!  

I have also engaged in "staycations" where I have intentionally taken time off of work to get things done around my home.  It can be a great feeling to be able to have time to Paint a room, clean the basement or do other projects that generally never get done due to the busy-ness of life.

Just some summertime thoughts.  What do you do for vacations?  Do you take them?  How important are they for you?