A Prayer for a Family Staycation

God of Joy,

There are times to travel 

and times to stay put,

and this week we are choosing

to enjoy what we have right

here at home.

Lord, would you protect our hearts 

from being envious of those 

whose spring breaks take them

on more exciting adventures?

There is so much delight

to be found right here

in our own backyard,

so many small miracles

we miss when we

don’t take time to explore.

Father, would you lead us to 

new places of discovery nearby?

New parks to roam,

new paths to hike,

new bookstores or

libraries to burrow into

and lose track of time.

May our kids’ boredom become a 

doorway to creativity and imagination,

a chance for them to try new things 

rather than zone out. 

We ask for moments

of silliness and delight,

of true rest and connection,

remembering that

the bonds we build

while our kids are young

will result in a mutual trust

as they get older.

Bless our time at home, Lord,

and may our hearts stay open

to experience the simple joys 

of being together. 

Amen.