Family Vacations and COVID-19

March 22, 2020

Written by: Ashlin Hair

I vividly remember a family vacation we took during spring break of my freshman year of high school. This had only been my family’s second vacation together, that I really remembered. 

Leading up to the vacation, I was filled with anticipation, looking eagerly toward everything we would “do” in beautiful Topsail Island, North Carolina. We talked about going to see baby sea turtles, taking walks to get ice cream, visiting shops, eating at local restaurants, and of course, spending time on the beach.

We spent the first few days soaking up every minute on the beach, which was just across the street, down a sandy wooden boardwalk. We read books and laid in the sun. The sandy foot babies took naps under the rainbow umbrella, so that the “big kids” could play. We made sand sculptures, and waited until low tide, when the splash pools revealed all the little sand creatures that called the beach their home. There was always one child who exclaimed “I wanna take this one home as a pet!”, fully knowing mom would never let us do such a thing. 

As the days passed, I kept wondering when we were going to do all the “things” we said we were going to do. Each day I counted my disappointments one by one, when the only creature we saw were tiny sand crabs, where the only daily destination was the beach across the road, and the only food we ate was PB and J and pink lemonade from the cooler. 

On one of the last days of the trip, it rained the whole day. We stayed inside and played way more than 10 rounds of Phase 10. My parents posed a simple question to us kids, “What did we not get to on this trip that you were looking forward to?” I burst into tears. Suddenly all of my disappointments, frustrations came out in one big statement, “We didn’t do anything but GO TO THE BEACH!”. My parents sat somewhat dumbfounded that I had been holding all of these “plans” in my head. Things that I thought would happen, that didn’t. I’m not exactly sure how the vacation ended, but we did go to a souvenir shop and ate at a local pizza place on our last night. Then, we made the long journey back home.

Oh how I WISH I could go back to that week. To sit on the beach, and do absolutely nothing. 

Why am I telling you this story? We are in a time of waiting, and what may feel like forced “rest” because of COVID-19. I don’t know about you, but I was looking forward to spending my spring break with friends, finishing student teaching, graduating from college, etc. I know many people who have lost a lot of planned things. My siblings lost the opportunity to perform the musical they had been working on for months. Many high schoolers lost out on prom, and sports, and potentially graduation ceremonies. Even worse, people have cancelled spring break trips, have birthed babies alone in the hospital, and families have lost financial security because many people are not working. The whole world has been turned upside down. 

It is so natural for me to complain. I don’t know how many times I have said “I am SO bored, frustrated, disappointed…. (you fill in the blank)” during this quarantine period. 

I have a feeling that in the midst of this, God is whispering to us “slow down”. Slow down. Rest. Take a break. I have a feeling I will look back on this time of my life, and wish that I could have the opportunity to be with my family all day. To have time to spend to myself. To play games, and crochet, and watch movies cuddled on the couch. I have a feeling we will all miss this time of “rest”. So friends, don’t wish it away. Of course, we need to be in constant prayer that God would heal our land and our people. But would you take the time he has given you to just be? 

Hug your kids. Spend time with your siblings. Play a game. Eat snacks. Watch a movie. Read a book. Take a nap. REST.

Psalm 46

1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.

5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.

6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.

7 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

8 Come, behold the works of the LORD,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.

9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.

10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!

11 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah