PUT SOME HOLY DAYS IN YOUR HOLIDAYS

It may make little sense for one to attempt to subtract the relaxation element from a holiday, merely confining the period to the formalities of rigid rituals or similar exercises... But we ought to make some room for the Lord of all peace and relaxation. I am told that the word “holiday” was derived from the “holy day.” In other words, a holiday was really meant to be essentially a day, or longer period of time, set aside for spiritual reflection and related activity. I am fully aware, that in the prevailing social and moral climate of today’s world, this kind of perspective of a holiday may sound like absolute madness to some people. Primarily, they view holidays as a time to “free-up” and “have a good time.” Summer holidays are here again. How would we spend it? It may make little sense for one to attempt to subtract the relaxation element from a holiday, merely confining the period to the formalities of rigid rituals or similar exercises. We know, for example, that having come out of the :heat” of exams, high school students continue to seek out the “brain cooler” options. Students at all levels look for some time to just forget the books completely. Others use the holiday period to catch up or keep abreast — or ahead —with their books, by doing extra studies.

Many parents take holidays from their jobs to coincide with that of their children’s, so they can just fly off somewhere and enjoy the free days. Parents generally will have at least a part of their brains busy in thinking about getting books, and other stuff for the new school year. For some parents, especially those who have many children at school, the heavy back-to-school responsibilities may make the holiday season exactly the opposite — its “hot head” time! The list can be endless as to what transpires in families during holiday periods. Empirical data reveal that in various countries during the summer vacation, there is an increase in sexual activity among the youth population. It appears that teenagers and their slightly older counterparts just decide to throw caution to the wind and engage in acts of promiscuity. This most certainly carries its price, which nowadays is very, very high, as we all know. I will like to strongly suggest that parents place some definite focus on using a part of the vacation to do some additional spiritual work with their children. Make some meaningful time for fellowship and church. Let’s try to keep the holy-day flavour in the holiday period, making some time for the Lord of all peace and relaxation. The Scripture does tell us that “a false balance is an abomination to the Lord” (Pro. II:1). This balance, especially in the perilous times of today, is absolutely essential.

Merry-making must be balanced with sobriety. In fact, there is no true enjoyment outside of sobriety. Every other type of “enjoyment” or “excitement” may only amount to a temporary delusion. When one comes out of the stupor, the pains of reality are even greater. Really, in life’s affairs, God’s place is first place, whatever the occasion, and irrespective of the level of euphoria or excitement. We are instructed, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness...” (Matt. 6:33). Proverbs 3:6 also exhorts: “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He’ll direct thy paths.” From my experience as a religious leader, I know even some Christian youth who are regarded as being among the more mature and committed, grapple with the temptations to “slack off on God” during he hype of holidays. Enjoy yourself. Have a wonderful time with your peers. But remember, as my father used to say, keep your head on your shoulder. Moral integrity, chastity and spiritual dignity should never be compromised in the name of “having fun.” In many instances, there is a very fine line between fun and foolishness. So many times foolishness wears the mask of fun. So many times the camouflage succeeds in prevailing over the vulnerable youthful mind with its subtle snares.

As a pre-teen lad, and even as a teenager, when I was about to venture on unholy grounds to do mischief, my mon would caution: “You better don’t take God out of your thoughts and do that!” Up to this day, I find Mom’s’s words good advice. If we keep God in our thoughts, there are a lot of mischief, misdeeds and dangers which we would escape. The converse is also true, when we take God out of our minds, we seriously endanger and ensnare ourselves. Parents must also bear in mind that in about seven weeks, their children will be returning to the testing grounds of their schools. In some cases, these grounds may be miniature war zones. A specific kind of preparation is therefore necessary. Preparation for school, especially in these times, must go beyond merely acquiring books and clothing. There should be a considerable degree of character preparation, the central part of which is spiritual preparation. School life today is rough. There are a million challenges other than the subjects on the school’s curriculum, that the child has to face. There are a billion potential distractions! And they are becoming more and more intense every day. So let’s intelligently strategise, whether we are in or out of holidays.
Have a blessed vacation!