People did not travel nearly as much during my childhood as they do today. We did not have the wonderful roads we do today (although I find them quite crowded), did not have the funds for leisure we seem to have today, and the points of interest were not as famous (because few could afford the luxury of travel). Add to that the fact there were not multiple hotels at ever cross roads and you begin to understand why we spent so much time close to home.
When we did travel the above motel is a great example of the places we stayed along the way. I distinctly remember a couple of vacations to a ranch in Texas and to see the sights in Hot Springs, AR. I am fairly certain the latter had something to do with the mineral baths and massages for the parents. It was all low key and fairly tame in comparison to today's standards. Most of our summer travel revolved around visiting relatives in nearby Texas.
Fast forward to the end of the last century and we spent 30 years going to the beach annually for a week with another family of dear friends. At that time, we stayed on a more secluded beach area with no high rises and a relative few beach houses. We ate at our house and played on the beach--with no excursions to restaurants and activities. You cannot find beaches like this anymore. They are now so crowded your umbrellas are several rows away from the Gulf. Those were happy years and fun vacations.
Following the pandemic, I have taken a downturn in vacationing again. Our family has gone to the Texas beach for a week. This beach is not as crowded as Florida and other beaches have been-especially during the middle of the week. We have a very low key--enjoying each other trip. Lots of games, watching family movies, reading, and most important long talks. It is closer to home and not as expensive. The best part is we are having the time and opportunity to really spend precious time together.
Where did this notion we are all entitled to a vacation come from? It seems the annual vacation has somehow mushroomed into a vacation for each season which gets more extravagant and opulent year after year. In my old age wisdom, I have discovered a truth for me. If you think of the root word for vacation, you realize it comes from vacate. We endeavor to make a change or vacate our normal routine. There are those who enjoy a "staycation" as much as any world traveler enjoys their vacation. The idea is to enjoy a break from our norm. Perhaps a complete change in routine, while still at home. Personally I see vacation as a perfect time to ponder life and perhaps push a reset button. Thankful God gives us opportunities to remember how blessed we are.
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth,
where moths and rust destroy
and where thieves break in and steal,
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth or rust destroys
and where thieves do not break in and steal.
For where your treasure is,
there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:19-21
i love that whole idea of vacating our normal routines even without traveling to and fro. looking at life through different lenses is energizing, isn't it ...
ReplyDeleteAny change from our "normal" is invigorating!
DeleteBlessings!