Jimbo's Jots

My wife and I had a chance to get out of town for a couple of days over the past week. Anymore, going out of town is a trip up to northern Michigan, visiting some of our favorite places to go . . . and most likely, you find us on a beach hunting down rocks. Depending on which beach we are on, we are looking for a specific kind of rock. We have developed quite a collection of rocks over the past couple of years, except for the elusive agate!

When was the last time you truly got away? I don’t just mean taking a day off or running errands without checking your email. I mean stepping out of the rhythms of everyday life—pausing the meetings, the appointments, the constant pressure to produce—and letting yourself breathe.

Vacations are more than indulgences or luxuries. They’re essential. They remind us that we are not machines. We were never meant to be “on” all the time.

In fact, the idea of rest and stepping away is deeply woven into our humanity. Many faith traditions include regular rhythms of Sabbath—a weekly pause to restore our souls and remember what matters most. Taking time to get away, whether it’s a week in the mountains, a long weekend by the water, or even a staycation with intentional boundaries, helps us reconnect with ourselves, with others, and with God.

Here’s what getting away can do:

Restores Perspective – When we’re in the thick of daily responsibilities, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. Vacations allow us to step back and see with fresh eyes. What once felt urgent might not be. What we’ve overlooked—relationships, creativity, joy—comes into sharper focus.

Renews Energy – Burnout often creeps in unnoticed. A few late nights here, some stress there, and before we know it, we’re running on fumes. Rest doesn’t just refill our tanks—it resets the whole engine.

Reignites Gratitude – Something powerful happens when we get away from the normal grind: we remember how beautiful life can be. Watching a sunset with no rush to be anywhere. Laughing over a meal with people we love. Sitting in silence without needing to explain. These simple moments rekindle joy.

Reorients Our Priorities – Sometimes, we need space to ask, “Is this really how I want to live?” Time away often brings clarity—not just about what we need to escape from, but what we want to return to with intention.

Whether it’s a road trip, a hike in the woods, a week unplugged, or a plane ticket to somewhere new—don’t underestimate the value of time away. Vacations don’t have to be extravagant to be effective. They simply need to be intentional.

So plan it. Prioritize it. Protect it. Because getting away might be exactly what you need to come back to life.

Be blessed getting away! Be a blessing!!