I love it when last minute plans come together. Just a week ago my son, Jesse, and I were sitting in our living room thinking about what to do for Spring break. It’s still cold in Connecticut. We had snow earlier in the week and were expecting more in a few days. We both wanted to get away to a warmer climate—some sunshine and fresh air. We’d been cooped up for way too long.
We considered Florida, the southern parts and then the panhandle. There were no flights on the days we wanted to travel. At least none in a reasonable price range.
We looked at South Carolina and North Carolina. No luck with flight options.
I thought about driving someplace. We wanted a warm climate yet didn’t want to spend all our vacation days in the car. Driving was quickly ruled out.
Jesse mentioned California. I began the search. Although the best airfares were gone, we were able to get the next best on the days we wanted to travel. We found a great place to stay. We booked it. Five days later we were on a plane, heading for San Diego.
The warm air greeted us outside the airport building. Still in the upper sixties, it was a little cooler than we hoped for. But neither of us complained. The sun was out and bold blooms complemented the palm trees, offering dazzling beauty to the sweet, fresh air.
Thankful for GPS, I drove the short distance to our home for the week—The Dana on Mission Bay. We settled in then stood on the balcony, looking out beyond the marina to a distant hill spotted with adobe homes and their red, Mexican tile roofs.
A sidewalk skirts the perimeter of the marina and resort area. We were a little late for the sunset, but decided to take a stroll. As soon as we rounded the bend, though, the wind and chill gave us cause to turn around and head back toward our rooms. Once blocked by the buildings, we paused to take a closer look at a beautiful Bonsai-shaped pine tree. A few steps later we stopped to admire the brilliant bird of paradise plant.
Awakening early the next morning—still on East Coast Time—the chirping sparrows and screeching seagulls ushered music to my ears after four months of noisy snow plows and shovels scraping pavement. Canvas flapped quietly and water rippled, but the sailboats and power boats, nestled alongside one another, remained motionless in the slight breeze. Seagulls dove and splashed, busily searching for breakfast.
The next day, we visited La Jolla beach and watched the sun set at Sunset Cliffs on Ocean Beach.
We enjoyed the biggest burgers and fries I’ve ever had, along with some delicious onion rings, at Hodad’s.
The following day we drove three hours to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, paused briefly while passing by the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame, and ventured up the winding road to the Griffith Observatory for the best view of the HOLLYWOOD sign. Afterwards, we drove to Venice Beach—a beautiful beach with some colorful individuals. Enough said.
I’ve also enjoyed time in the late evenings and early mornings to sit with God. I have journaled and researched and prayed about next steps, asking God to align the desires of my heart with the desire of His heart for me.
It’s nice to get a break in the normal routine, a time of rest and rejuvenation. I think Jesse and I will both go home refreshed and ready to get back to business—the last nine weeks of his junior year and back to serious writing for me. I am thankful, though, for the opportunity which Jesse and I have had this week.
I know … even if you live in New England like we do, you don’t have to go far away to someplace warm (although I admit it helps) or spend a lot of money to get rejuvenated. You can get away to a park, the library, your backyard, or maybe even your living room. Wherever that place is for you, it is worth it to take time out to rest, pray, and enjoy God’s presence.
Thank you for allowing me to share this experience with you. I hope you, too, will enjoy some quiet time with God as well as some rest and relaxation. It’s good for the heart, soul, mind, and spirit.