Whenever we get the chance to take a holiday we see it as a break from the everyday tasks and responsibilities that we are required to do. But it shouldn't mean that we break away from God. Depending on where we travel to and the length of time we're away, holidays can disrupt our regular Christian lifestyle. We might not be able to attend our local church, Bible study group, prayer meeting and more. In such cases, we know that as soon as we return we can get back into our normal routine. But what about when we're travelling for extended periods of time and to remote places? Instead of looking at extensive travel as a disruption, we should embrace the diversity that it can bring. Just because you're far away from home, doesn't mean you have to be far away from God. Here are some of the ways you can keep your faith strong while travelling.
Take your Bible - Depending on how long your travelling for, space can be a premium. Investing in a pocket-sized Bible means that you'll be able to take it with you everywhere and it won't take up to much space, weight or battery power (in the case of Bible apps).
Stock up your smartphone - If you are taking a smartphone and you will have frequent access to charging facilities, then downloading some smartphone apps and podcasts are two great ways to stay plugged in.
Find a church - There are billions of Christians around the world, so chances are, there's a high possibility that you'll come across a church along the way. And if you can't make it to one, take some time out for worship and prayer wherever you can.
Connect with a Christian community - Travelling is a great way to meet people with different life experiences, cultures and backgrounds than your own and the opportunity to do so should definitely be embraced. Connecting with people who share your faith can also keep you on track, even when you're physically "off track".
Marvel at God's creation - For so many of us, much of our daily lives are conducted in the confines of concrete jungles which can leave us with few moments to take time out and allow ourselves to experience the wonder of God's creation. Travelling can lead us to experience beautiful destinations, where the pace of life is slower and we have the time and space to immerse ourselves in nature. It's also a great opportunity to really appreciate the beauty of the world, be at peace and worship God in the organic environments he created.
Count your blessings - Travelling can open your eyes to the different challenges that people face in different parts of the world, and reinforce how fortunate we are to live in developed countries and have access to necessities and luxuries.
Give back - There's so much that you can gain by taking the time out to explore different places and meet with diverse communities. The Bucket List Family have made helping people they meet along their travels a fundamental element of their journey, but you don't need to have lots of money to give back. Giving your time to share your skills or get involved in a community project is tremendously valuable too.
