My husband retired from the Marine Corps in 2018 after serving for over 24 years. During his time on active duty, leave time was very limited. He was deployed or training to deploy often. We lived states away from family; therefore, when he did have time off we were often traveling home to Florida to see our loved ones. This was when our children would see their cousins and grandparents. Family vacations, outside of going back home, were rare. This is one of the many reasons I cherish our trips together as a family.
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Last week we headed to Blue Ridge, Georgia to enjoy the mountains, colorful fall leaves, and time to relax and be still together. It followed a busy season for our family and seemed to come at the perfect time. We felt away from the world in many ways. Away from responsibilities and daily tasks. Away from worries and stress. Away from a lot of heaviness that 2020 has included. We felt so close to God and one another during these days. There was an undeniable peace that seemed to surround us all; even during a week when our country seemed to be filled with such anxiety. God’s sovereignty and presence were so felt.
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I realize with such clarity that time away as a family doesn’t come without sacrifice and choice. Yet, it is a choice I will advocate and sacrifice for always. I am often sad when these adventures end , but I’m grateful for the way this pause in time restores us. My cup overflows and I feel a renewed joy as we head into the holiday season. I pray to know and claim the same peace and joy we felt secluded in the mountains, during our daily life at home. God is our hope and our refuge. Whether it is an election year, a year with a world pandemic, a year filled with turmoil and tension and many unknowns. He is the same today and always. I’m praying to keep my eyes on Him. He is our “way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper. He is the Light in the darkness”. Lasting peace will never be found in this world. There will always be something/someone that will let you down if you are looking to the world to provide peace for you. Tonight, I pray that His peace and love will be felt by all as 2020 comes to an end.