Missionaries need vacation too and HMA (Home Ministry Assignment) is NOT vacation! This month as we’re fully into the heat of summer, we want to remind you that rest is biblical and that vacation is not only good, but needed! This can feel tricky for those of us who live off of monthly support. However, in order to live a more sustainable and long term healthy life in ministry, we need to rest and take breaks.
If you are traveling to your home country for HMA, we know that many people view this as vacation. But as we know, it is not.
- Set the hard boundaries and block out time for just you and your family!
- Do something fun.
- Take a retreat day.
- Slow down and breathe.
- Get creative.
If you’re not able to travel anywhere for vacation, what fun activities can you do where you live?
- Is there a museum you’ve always wanted to visit and haven’t done it yet (check for the free days and remember – they’re air conditioned).
- Is there a hobby you’ve wanted to start?
- What does play look like for you?
- Take naps. Rest.
- Set aside more time to be with Jesus.
- Take a retreat.
Considerations for a family vacation or “staycation”: Getting away with the kids is not always restful, but it can be another way of building those positive childhood experiences for them. Taking time away from the demands of life and ministry to just be together as a family can send your children a very important message about their significance and feeling prioritized will have a huge impact on them, both now and in their future.
- How can you involve your kids in the planning process?
- What would be life giving for all of you?
- What obstacles might you need to address to ensure you can be present and away from work for your vacation?
Check out the resources below for encouragement or to help you plan a retreat day with Jesus. If you aren’t even sure what “rest” means or what it looks like for you in this season, we have trained coaches who would love to explore that with you so you can get the the rest and vacation you need. Go to communitascoaching.com to learn more. Invest in rest and play this month.
Resources:
Missionaries Vacation Too
Retreat Day Activities
Best Practices for a Retreat Day with God