Don't Take A Spiritual Spring Break!

This year is the first year that I took a spring break without any specific plans. Not only did I have ten days off of school, but I also took that time off of work; my girlfriend was out of town and most everyone on campus (where I was staying) had left for the vacation. It was an actual vacation, a time to relax and get recharged. 

Of course, I slept in late and stayed up late. Watched entire seasons of shows on Netflix and had Chipolte three days in a row. I didn't go anywhere further then the airport. I didn't look at my assignments until Sunday. I really did take a vacation from the expectations and priories that were on me. 

Getting back into the swing of things has been fine, I didn't completely check out so that I couldn't snap back to it, but one class has really challenged me today with a question. The question is very simple, yet convicting:

While going somewhere warm, or skiing or just sleeping during break is fun and maybe relaxing, how do you recharge spiritually? What is you pattern? What is your struggle with it?

Being on break from "everyday" life doesn't mean that you relax or take a break from your spiritual walk with Christ. Unlike sports, intellect, or Settlers of Catan none of us can claim an innate spiritual advantage. We are all equally disadvantaged! None of us seek God naturally; no one does good inherently. [Romans 3:9-18] We need to be crazy intentional, developing ourselves in Him daily, never taking time off from God. Being married doesn't mean you have to talk with your spouse or ever go home—but a lot is going to suffer if you don't intentionally make time. So is our relationship with the Lord God, intentional and consistant. (Adapted from R. Kent Hughes Disciplines of a Godly Man)

How much more do we need to be disciplined in what we are doing to stay connected to God, when we drop other responsibilities or expectations on vacation?

I recharge spiritually by giving ample time to read through devotions. However, that's a lot harder then it sounds—even while having a week of free time! My struggle is getting past the exciting things to do amidst the day like Netflix, Xbox and Board-games. I sometimes don't want to want to read the Word and commune with God. I think that it isn't exciting enough, or feel that it's something I have to do. Fortuity God has a passionate pursuit for us and will not let me stay in this attitude. When I do 'give in' and read the Word and start to commune with an honest heart, I am encouraged to continue in that, to develop the want to continue! 

I am blessed to have several people that I meet with regularly and are going through books together. This has helped develop a pattern of consistency. Through these times, I know that someone else is reading the same thing that I am and if I do not keep my end I'll be embarrassed and let down the person I've committed to reading with!

Day by day is different, but knowing when during the day I will make time with God is important. College does not allow for a high level of consistency in your schedule but making time, making margin, for the Lord is crucial. And don't I know it!

Don't let yourself take spring breaks from your spiritual walk, we cannot afford to do it!