For my personal time with God this week:
[#1] Read John’s account of what happened in Jesus’ life during His last Festival of Booths experience, in John 7-8. What insights do you get from these passages about connection, and how the world pulls us away from the connections that matter most? What tends to keep you from connecting to God more? Perhaps even to your family more?
[#2] In the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 in Mark 6:30-44, we see this tension between work/ministry and personal rest. As you look at how this day played out in the life of Jesus and His disciples, how can you relate? In what ways do you find yourself pulled most in life, and kept from adequate rest? Meditate on this passage and ask God to show you how to make rest a higher priority, as Jesus did.
[#3] Psalms 113-118 are specific psalms that have been read each year for centuries during the Festival of Shelters. Read these psalms, reflecting on what God was teaching them about perspective in their lives — and perspective in yours.
[#4] Discuss and share ideas with your family or friends some ways you want to “plan” your next vacation differently.