Get Away From It All And Go RVing

We live in a day an age where everything is pulling at our attention. Our mobile devices don’t stop buzzing with messages and emails. Our kids’ faces are glued either to the television or a tablet. It can often leave us connected to our work or duties but disconnected with one another. Sometimes even ministry or volunteering can leave us so busy and exhausted from pouring out that we forget to spend time with the ones that we love.

God desires to have a relationship with us and wants us to fellowship with one another. Taking a trip with our family or a group of friends can be a great way to leave the distractions behind and engage with those we care about. Unfortunately for many, going on a vacation can be an expensive endeavor. Airfare, hotels, restaurants and activities can quickly add up for a family of four. Thankfully, going on a RV trip is a fun alternative. Whether it is a station wagon, minivan, SUV or RV, many of us have fond memories of growing up and going on a road trip as a family. While some of the memories may not have been funny at the time, most of the time we are able to reminisce and laugh about missing the exit, forgetting to pack the toilet paper or leaving someone at the rest stop.

Taking a RV trip, can be up to 59% less expensive for a family of four to travel than a traditional trip. While many believe that taking a RV trip or camping is considered roughing it, the amenities at the 16,000 campgrounds in the U.S would say otherwise. They offer everything including pools, dog parks, wine tastings, spas, cable, golf and other activities. It also gives you the opportunity to experience nature.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.

They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them.

Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” Psalm 19:1-4

Risen writer Mei Ling Nazar recently experienced a Go RVing event. Attendees got to check out some of the latest RVs to take a vacation in including a retro on the outside, full amenities on the inside teal air stream. They also heard from 90210 and What I Like About You star Jennie Garth. Jennie shared about her fond memories growing up of her family going on trips together and how she has carried that tradition out with her children. They enjoy RVing because they are not limited by suitcases as to what they can bring, if it can fit in the RV, they are able to bring it. She also opened up about how she took her family on a cross-country trip at one of the toughest moments of her life. Jennie’s husband had recently left her. Jennie and her family were able to go visit their other relatives and get a fresh perspective during a difficult season.

“Since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” Romans 1:19-20

Whether it is this fall or next summer, take time and plan a trip with your family or friends to get out and experience God’s creation!

Risen Reflections

Experience the great outdoors together. Grab your family or friends and take a trip. It can be for a day, weekend, or extended period of time. The only agenda should be to experience God, nature and get to know one another. Think of some fun activities you can do to get to know each other. Whether it is a card game or active activity, try to find a balance in things that entire group will enjoy doing.

Take a hike. Leave the cell phones, tablets and any other distractions behind. As you go for a walk, look at the details of the things around you- the bees getting nectar from flowers, the leaves falling from the tree, the stars in the sky. Allow God to speak to you. Reflect on how the Creator of the universe did all of this, how He created us and how much He loves us. Before or after the hike, read through some of the Psalms. Pray and thank God for the beauty that surrounds you. You can even do a nature scavenger hunt by creating a list of things that everyone in the group must find together.

Don’t leave it behind. Take time to reflect before the trip ends. Whether it is gathering around the campfire or finding a spot on the beach. Ask the family or group to share what they enjoyed about the trip, what God showed them as they spent time in nature, and even one thing that they want to do as they return home. Look for a leaf, flower or rock to take home with you as a reminder of the trip. Then, whenever things get busy you can look at your reminder to slow down, spend time with God and spend time with those you care about.

To check out more about taking a RV trip click here.