Soul Food

My family has been fortunate enough to go on vacation together every summer that I can remember.  It is one of my most cherished traditions.  When my grandparents came up with the idea I was three, my brother one, and my sister had not yet been born.  They didn’t know that we would still gather so many years later and they had no idea how much my nephews would cherish it as well.  In starting this tradition they created something sacred.

We don’t stay at the same little, breeze dependent, cottage anymore.  The beach, while still quiet, is more crowded.  Our party of seven has grown to fourteen (if you count my grandparents who are definitely there in spirit).   Many elements of our family vacation have changed over the years.  That which has been constant—experiencing the beach together with one another—is what feeds my soul.  I find God’s presence on our vacations to be strikingly obvious and these family times have therefore become for me, sacred.

Just like our physical bodies, our souls need nourishment.  Vacations, most often considered a break from work or school, should be a time of rest and relaxation.  They are also a great opportunity for spiritual retreat and renewal.  

Jesus is the gateway to living our best life and it is because of Jesus that we can live life to the fullest. So many things in life can drain your soul, and too often it is hard to locate all of the “leaks.” The good news is that we have an abundant source from which to refill.

“The thief enters only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came so that they could have life—indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest.” ‭‭John‬ ‭10:10‬ ‭CEB‬‬

The things in your life that drain your soul may or may not be obvious but they are there. Sometimes we can remove them, sometimes we can’t. Jesus is pretty clear on instructing us to “pour” into others so we should always need a refill. What are the places in your life that you find most fulfilling for your soul? Where is God most obvious? Your soul depends on these sacred places. Make plans to prioritize and visit as often as possible.