I Thought I Was Taking a Vacation... God Had Other Plans

 

I Didn't Realize How Much I Needed This Cruise

If you've followed Living Well with Amy for any length of time, you know I talk a lot about self-care. Not the bubble bath kind of self-care—although there's nothing wrong with that—but the kind that restores your soul. The kind that keeps reminding you God is greater than anything we face and with Him nothing is impossible. 

This cruise reminded me why that's so important.

Life has been full these past few years. There have been beautiful moments, but there have also been hard ones. I've walked through seasons of heartbreak, seasons of rebuilding, seasons of wondering what God was doing, and seasons where I simply put my head down, cried myself to sleep but chose to keep going.

Sometimes we get so busy surviving that we forget how to simply live. And in that busyness we forget that we have to take time to rest. 

As our ship pulled away from the port, I felt something I hadn't felt in a long time.

I exhaled.

Not just physically... emotionally.

For the first time in a while, there wasn't a schedule to keep, a project to finish, a responsibility waiting on me, or a list running through my mind. There was just the sound of the ocean and the reminder that God is still in control. What was meant to be our Honeymoon and a much needed vacation turned into something more.

One of my favorite days was our beach day in Cozumel.

Sitting in the warm sand with the crystal-clear water stretching out before me, I couldn't help but smile. There was no pressure to be productive. No expectation to accomplish something. Just the freedom to enjoy the moment God had given me.

That simple afternoon reminded me that rest isn't something we have to earn. It's something God designed us to need.

Our next port was Honduras.

I honestly wasn't prepared for how breathtaking it would be. The lush green mountains, the endless views, and the peaceful beauty stopped me in my tracks. Standing there, I found myself thanking God—not just for the scenery, but for the journey that brought me there.

A few years ago, I never could have imagined this season of my life.

God has taken chapters that were filled with pain and slowly rewritten them with hope.

This cruise wasn't just about visiting beautiful places. It was about remembering how faithful God has been through every chapter. It was about laughing until my cheeks hurt, making memories I'll treasure forever, and allowing myself to simply enjoy the life He's given me.

Our last stop was Belize.

Snorkeling through those unbelievably clear waters felt like stepping into another world. Bright tropical fish swam all around us, colorful coral covered the ocean floor, and every direction I looked revealed another reminder of God's creativity. I couldn't help but think about my oldest son Andrew. He has a 180 gallon saltwater aquarium and knows all the things. My face in a mask, under water, smiling ear to ear with thoughts of how much he would love this and how God had blessed me with my 3 beautiful children.

My thoughts wandered to life.

Sometimes the most beautiful things are hidden beneath the surface. We spend so much time looking at what's on the outside that we forget God is doing His greatest work where no one else can see.

Our last stop was supposed to be Costa Maya but the waves were so fierce it wasn't safe to dock. I admit, a small panic attack tried to creep in, but God quickly reminded me of Jesus walking on the water, Peter walking to him and then during a different occasion in Scripture Mark 4:39 Jesus commanded the sea "be still". After this reminder of God's power, I prayed and then took a nap. 

We had 2 beautiful days at sea. Being surrounded by the sea and so much laughter and love with my husband and two of our closest friends, is what our soul thrives on. 

I came home with a tan, hundreds of pictures, and a heart that felt lighter than it had in a long time.

If you're waiting for permission to slow down, this is it.

Take the trip.
Watch the sunset.
Sit on the beach.
Snorkel in the ocean.
Laugh with the people you love.
Put your phone down for a little while.
Marvel at what God has created.

Life isn't only about getting through the next week.

It's about noticing the blessings God places right in front of us.

This cruise reminded me that living well isn't about having a perfect life.

It's about having a grateful heart.

And for that, I'll always be thankful.

Because self-care isn't selfish... it's stewardship.

— Amy