Vacating the Premises

The preparations for my upcoming vacation have been multitudinous. First we did research, then shopped for good prices, then worked out the dates--including getting a supply preacher to cover me for the Sundays I'll be gone. And that was just the reservation! The next phase was getting what we needed for the trip. New suitcase, some clothing, reading material, and plenty of this and that! Then, I always insist we leave a clean home so we don't came back to jobs to do. So a trip to the dump, some vacuuming, and straightening up. Of course life goes on around our vacation, so we need to prepay some bills, stop the mail, and give the plants a good watering. So much to do to get ready to do nothing!

But it's all worth it when you're finally ON vacation. (right?)

In the movie "What About Bob?" Bill Murray plays Bob, a neurotic man who depends too heavily on his new therapist, played by Richard Dreyfuss. The therapist, who is leaving that day for his vacation home in New Hampshire, recommends that Bob "take a vacation from his problems." Trite, and it doesn't work out the way the therapist envisioned--Bob shows up at his vacation home and with the help of the doctor's family, Bob experiences self-discovery and healing. While the therapist goes off the deep end!

I plan on taking a vacation from my problem (parkinson's) while on my vacation. It will take some preparation too. Handing it over to God to bear for a while. Setting up medications ahead of time, so dispensing them is easier. Packing clothing that's easy to put on (no buttons). And depending on my more gregarious wife to lead me into activities that enable self-dicovery, making new friends, and are just plain fun.

I'm not denying my condition. I'm just going to vacate that place where it's a constant anxiety. It'll be there when I get back. Today is enough for me for a while. The gospel I won't be preaching on this Sunday says, don't worry--instead seek the kingdom of God. So that's what I'll do this vacation in a vacation. That, and eat pizza.

I'll send you a postcard from the kingdom!