Living In Vacation Mode

O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

“People on vacation are different. I’ve had more pleasant interactions with random strangers than I’ve had in a long time.” I sighed while snuggled beneath the covers in my hotel room, holding my phone sideways as I chatted with Aaron for a few moments before bed.

“It’s because they are in vacation mode.”

I paused for a long moment, considering Aaron’s observation.

“Well then, we should live more often as though we are on vacation.” And with that thought lingering, we signed off for the night.

I was in Lake Country on business—an area filled with resorts and touristy towns nestled between the woods and lakes of northern Minnesota. It wasn’t until the third time a stranger held the door for me with a cheery smile and a friendly comment that I first noticed the vacation mode atmosphere.

While most of us cannot literally live on vacation 24-7, why can’t we practice the attitude of vacation mode as we go about our ordinary days? It takes no money and almost no time to smile warmly for strangers as we hold the door or to bestow the gift of patient grace for parents with young children (or slightly surly teenagers) as they navigate parenting in public. And extending mercy to those who inadvertently annoy us is often a matter of our internal heart condition, but it is made clear in our facial expressions and verbal responses.

For as easy as these small acts are, when done consistently, they completely change the atmosphere and the experience for all around, and they become contagious—encouraging others to adopt the same grace, mercy, and warmheartedness in their own interactions.

Awakening the next morning, I thanked God for the gentle reminder that walking through day-to-day life with an intentional attitude of humility, mercy, and seeking to do right by one another is incredibly powerful. We impact the atmosphere of the places we go—for good or bad—by how we engage with others.

Julie

Today’s Act of Gratitude

How will you wield the power of your words and attitude?