I need a holiday — a very long holiday — and I don’t expect I shall return. In fact, I mean not to!
Bilbo Baggins, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
I like to compare a good vacation to restarting a computer. When encountering problems on a computer, one of the easiest possible solutions is to restart it. That little trick can fix a large portion of common issues. A good vacation is like that, flushing out the rhythms of everyday life and providing a fresh outlook.
However, there are times that a restart isn’t good enough. Sometimes the most straightforward way to fix major computer problems such as viruses or malware or other gunk (that’s the technical term) is to wipe it and start over. This is not always easy, but a clean install can make a computer run like new. This doesn’t mean forgoing the installation beloved, useful programs or documents. Rather, it serves as a fresh start to decide what is truly important.
As I was preparing for another semester in Israel, I have felt like this time should be like a fresh install. What gunk have I allowed into my life that needs to be cleansed? It’s been difficult to pull myself away. My life is well-entrenched with good and bad habits. I have a comfortable life living in a comfortable home working at a comfortable job and attending a comfortable church. But is that what it’s all about? Am I living a good life when God is calling me to give it up for something greater?
I don’t want for this break to be temporary. I don’t want to return the same. In fact, I mean not to.
Can you relate? Is there anything in your life that needs to be cleaned up?
