Floridians don’t use the phrase, neither do Coloradans nor Texans, but we do. “Up North” describes our summers here in the upper Midwest. Minnesotans, Wisconsinites, and Michiganders can hardly wait to make the trek away from the harried life of the cities to the beautiful forests, pristine lakes, gorgeous sunsets, rapid waters, and memorable places we call, “Up North.”
Brenda and I began our “Up North” trip this week. There are few places I’ve been in the world that do for me what the Chippewa Flowage in Hayward, Wisconsin, and the region of Northwest Wisconsin. For me, there is nothing like the first time I put the throttle down and cruise across the lake. I love the wind in my face, the spray from the waves, and the sights and sounds of the wildlife on the shoreline and in the air. The smiles on Brenda’s face or those of our children and their spouses as we bounce across the waves make my heart glad. If I get to catch a fish, why that’s just a bonus – like the nearly 40” musky that took a picture with me this morning.
Most of the time trips Up North mean time with my family. Defining “family” has changed with the passing of my parents and my grandparents before them and the change continues with the maturing of our children and the paths of they now follow – plus there’s the reality of being a granpa. The result – Up North times are really important to Brenda and me, as I suspect they are to you, so important that we will even miss time away from the gathering of the church. How should we think about vacay? When considered from a Christian worldview, there shouldn’t be any guilt for Up North times.
God Designed Us to Experience Rest
From the beginning God created the structure of time that calls for a period of rest. We are not machines designed to run 24/7/365 and repaired or replaced should a breakdown occur. We were created in the image of God, who, though he did not need rest, stopped his work on the seventh day, instituting what we know as the Sabbath rest. That once a week rest illustrates what our eternal rest will be when we are with the Lord. God designed us for rest and gave us a day to rest, a principle the Lord Jesus understood and practiced.
Jesus Led the Disciples to Rest
Our Lord worked harder than anyone who ever lived. Read the gospel accounts and track a timeline of his workweek, and you will agree. You will remember he did his work with a group of men in tow. While his disciples could not preach like Jesus or perform the miracles the Son of God performed, they did work alongside him. In Mark 6 Jesus told them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” Space doesn’t allow for a full explanation of the text, but suffice it say, the disciples had been working hard at the instruction of Jesus, and it was time to recuperate. What God designed and what Jesus led is what we need too, a little “Up North” time, but let’s make sure we do so as disciples of Jesus.
We Rest from Our Labor but Not from Our Lord
How would a Christian approach his Up North time differently than an unbeliever?
Here are a few ideas.
The potential and necessity of spiritual growth can never take a vacation. Remember, the devil is a roaring lion walking about seeking to devour you! He takes off no time in his violent pursuit, and we cannot take off any time in resisting him. Therefore, remain consistent in your spiritual disciplines of Bible reading, memorization, and prayer. Further, Up North trips offer opportunities for expanded Bible reading, prayer walks through the woods or prayer time on the dock, or devotional reading of recommended books like Through Gates of Splendor or The Circle Trilogy. This summer could be the time when you really get to know God. Up North can provide tremendous opportunity for your spiritual growth or a dangerous time for your spiritual demise – your choice.
When Up North, meet with another group of Christians. For us, there is a small church in Hayward where we gather with the brothers and sisters to worship together. On Sunday morning, we do what we always do; we head to a church building because Sunday is time to meet God and that’s where God’s people are preparing to meet him. Up North is great, but meeting with the creator of Up North is so much better.
Of course, if you are in the BWCA, gathering with a group of Christians in their building is impossible. Should that happen, I suggest you gather with those on your trip and follow our worship pattern – read the Bible, sing, pray, give, and converse. You’ve had ample practice during the COVID-19 stay home orders.
When home and back in town, make the gatherings with God’s people your priority. Because we choose to be away from our Christian community when we go Up North, we must guard our times together when we are in town. Late Saturday nights that lead to groggy Sunday mornings won’t work. Our children need to learn from their Sunday School teachers. We adults need the Bible training that comes in the education hour. The church must meet with God in worship. We cannot go multiple Sundays without meeting with God and remain unchanged. We need the encouragement, accountability, and support from those in our small groups. Be wise about the priority of worship and Christian community when you are in town this summer.
My mind is full of Up North memories from my childhood and with the family God has given to Brenda and me. By his grace, I hope to make many more, even this summer. You’re probably the same way. Whether Up North takes you to a cabin or a campsite; whether you find yourself in a RV, a boat, or tent; whether your preference is a lake, a river, a campsite, or the wilderness; my prayers go with you throughout the summer as you travel, and my heart will fill with joy and love when we worship and learn together on the Lord’s Day throughout the summer months.
Mike VerWay
Pastor for Preaching & Vision