Less Stress, More Jesus

When life gets stressful- plan a trip to the beach! That’s always a I thought I have when I just need a break. The beach is my happy place. It brings me the serenity I need when I can’t find it in my everyday norm. It gives me a break from the hustle and bustle that our schedule demands at home. It’s saves me from the need to be rushed, put together, alarm clocks, and well…just life!

The reality of this is that a week at the beach doesn’t change the fact that when you get home you will be back to the daily grind. Being gone just gives you a break from it all…or so you think. As I’m typing this we are actually sitting on the beach on our annual vacay to the Outer Banks. I may be sitting in the sand and basking in the sun, but there’s still opportunities to let the normal life creep in our vacation.

We had been on the beach for a few hours on our first day of vacation and my husband and I have a growth opportunity. That’s a very nice way of saying we got into an argument. We were joking around and I went too far with it. I said something that offended him and he took it real personal. I apologized right away, but the sting from my words couldn’t be fixed right away with just an apology.

Shortly after that, we go to rent bikes for the kids to ride around throughout the week. As they are riding the bikes back to the condo, my youngest son discovers the long bike ride isn’t really what he wants to do. He starts complaining and crying because it’s too hot and too hard to ride up the hills. Well- that just caused another level of frustration in my already frustrated husband. Keep in mind this is our first day of vacation!!

Taking a break from life doesn’t change what’s in your heart. You can’t run from what’s in your heart- it goes everywhere you do. So- no matter where you are your heart will always be exposed. If your heart is full of resentment and anger then that’s what comes out when given the opportunity. If you don’t have a thankful heart and you’re being ungrateful then that’s what comes out when it’s too hot to ride a bike. Can you see how we need more than just a vacation from life? When life is stressful, we need Jesus even more!

I woke up the next day and immediately got into my Bible. Honestly, I was a little mad that our first day of vacation was NOT what I was hoping for. My heart was full of ugly! I was disappointed that Jeff and I got into a fight. We could do that at home! I was annoyed that my youngest son was complaining instead of being grateful that we spent the money to do something he normally doesn’t do at home. Then, I was really ticked when Jeff showed his frustration by the way he spoke to us after all that went down. I shut down emotionally and wanted to go home. I mean we don’t have to spend all this money just to have the same stress at home!

That morning I asked God where he wanted me to read. He gave me Colossians 3. Of course I’m hoping that it would be something uplifting and make me feel good. Of course as I began to read God’s Word starts addressing the condition of my heart. You see, I came on this trip with a very heavy heart. I thought that getting away would ease some of the burdens, but obviously I was wrong. God began to deal with the doubt I had about a situation, the resentment and unforgiveness towards my husband, and the lack of love that my actions were showing. God is always after the heart! I can’t change the circumstances, but I am responsible for my response.

In order to have less stress, we have to have more Jesus….every moment of the day! If we allow our circumstances, emotions, and busy schedules dictate what’s in our heart, then we will get ourselves into a lot of trouble. The only thing that can change what’s in the heart is the truth of God’s Word penetrating to very depths of the ugliness. Then of courses making it right through repentance. Life will be stressful, but Jesus offers us the only thing that will calm us. His peace. However, you will only find it in his Word and in the pursuit of a relationship with him. Anything else that the world offers ( like a beach vacation) will only be temporary!