Lord God,

Thank you for the time away 

from our usual lives to do 

something different as a family. 

There was laughter, there was joy,

and many memories made. 

Yet, for the adults involved,

there was little to no relaxation,

and we are returning home 

more tired than when we left! 

So, Lord, before we sort the laundry 

and put our souvenirs on a shelf,

I want to pause and reflect 

on the togetherness we shared,

the bonds we deepened,

the beautiful moments, 

the crazy moments—

the silliness and sacredness 

of vacations with children. 

(pause here and take a moment to reflect)

Spirit of God, I need you, as I head

back into a typical week,

a bit bedraggled and worn. 

On my own, I grumble

but in you I find patience. 

On my own, I am reactive

but in you I find wisdom.

On my own, I am weak

but in you I am strong. 

Thank you, Father, for this kind of 

fatigue, this kind of mess. 

I am tired because my life 

is full of people to love, 

and this is always a gift. 

Amen.