Thrive

“Vacation” is an interesting word. The root is “vacate” or to empty. The word originated in the era in which the well-to-do would “vacate” their normal residences during the “season” and move to seaside or mountain second homes. They were said to be “on vacation” or “vacationers.” The usage eventually spread to the masses, you and me.

It seems not only our normal residences are emptied during vacation. The vacation process is an emptying of the day-to-day junk that seems determined to fill our lives. I know with smart phones and tablets it’s hard to leave all of our usual lives behind, but we still try to empty out as much junk as possible.

When the junk is all cleared away, what’s left? Looking at the vacant faces of many of my fellow vacationers, I have to think, “not much.” What if we empty ourselves of the junk and there is nothing left, no substance, nothing to hang on to or be proud of?

What should be left when the junk is cleared? I like what Casting Crowns sings in their song “Thrive.” “We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives
It’s time for us to more than just survive. We were made to thrive.” Isn’t that what we all want at our essence: to thrive, to be more than ordinary. That basic desire leads us to do all kinds of crazy things to separate ourselves from the ordinary, to thrive.

However, we were created by a God who designed us so that we will thrive only if we live out the lives He planned for us. We may all differ in many ways but at the core that plan is the same. Again from Casting Crowns, ”

Here in this worn and weary land
Where many a dream has died

Like a tree planted by the water
We never will run dry

So living water flowing through
God we thirst for more of You
Fill our hearts and flood our souls
With one desire

Just to know You and to make You known
We lift Your name on High
Shine like the sun make darkness run and hide

No matter what specific path He leads us on, we thrive only when our purpose, to know Him and to make Him known, is our core.

Want to be happy? Want to thrive? Vacate yourself of the junk. Get down to the essence. Live to known Him and to make Him known and thrive.