A battery powered clock hangs on the wall in our kitchen. It briefly chimes musical tunes each hour. We hung it two years ago when decorating for Christmas because it plays Christmas tunes. We liked it so well, we left it up. I don’t think we planned to leave it up permanently, but it still hangs on our wall and plays those beautiful tunes twenty-four times a day.

We love Christmas, as is evident to anyone visiting our house in December. We play Christmas music a lot. I guess that clock reminds us of that favorite season and the music we enjoy. We have no plans to take down the clock.

It’s nice to have reminders of special things, even some which seem out of place in the summer.

Summer is the season of vacations and fun trips. Monieca and I will spend time at the beach, as well as travel to Kentucky. I’ve already heard stories from church members who just got back from the beach or are going to the beach. We all love the summer.

Unfortunately for many of us summer’s vacations can become a time when attending worship seems out of place. After all, we’re on vacation.

Might I suggest that worshiping on Sunday morning when we’re on vacation can be a good idea? I know that Jesus condemned a legalistic approach to religion, so I’m not saying we have to go to church when we’re on vacation. I’m saying it can be a special thing to do. In fact it can keep us in touch with something very special…just like the clock hanging on our kitchen wall.

Personally, I really enjoy that clock. I’m also blessed when I worship while on vacation. Try it this summer…you might be surprised.

Pastor Steve Hogg