Vacation Guilt
This past week was spring break for my daughter, so we headed down to Panama City Beach – or as some like to call it, the “Redneck Riviera.” (IYKYK)
We had the whole crew there – my wife, daughter, in-laws, my brother-in-law, even my son and his girlfriend. And it was a great trip!
The weather was perfect too. We spent time on the beach, Hot Tub, Pool, Beach Games, Dinners out – Just being together as a family.
Exactly what you want.
But…
I still worked some – And that bothered me.
There were a couple of deals in process that I couldn’t fully hand off. My support team is shared, so certain things still fall on me.
No one complained.
No one gave me a hard time.
But internally? I felt like I was coming up short.
Like I wasn’t fully present.
Like I should have done more.
And that’s where the battle starts, Because that’s exactly where the enemy steps in.
As a Real Christian Businessman, He wants us to believe we failed. That we let our family down. That if we weren’t “all in” 24/7, then we weren’t enough.
But that’s not truth.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man.” Col 3:23 (NIV)
Now, could I have spent more time with my family? Sure.
But I’m also in a season in my business where I’m building. And part of that responsibility is making sure the business continues to build and to provide for my family—both now and in the future.
So instead of focusing on what I didn’t do…
I focused on what I did.
Sitting on the beach with my wife.
Watching the sunset together.
Morning walks along the water.
Playing cards with family.
Working on a puzzle.
Watching basketball with my father-in-law.
Going to Zoo World with my daughter (a tradition).
Playing putt-putt with my son (another tradition).
And yes—eating at Pineapple Willy’s like we do every year.
That’s a full week.
That’s time well spent.
And that’s something to be thankful for.
A Real Christian Businessman understands that Rest isn’t just the absence of work—it’s the presence of peace.
If working for an hour gives us the ability to truly enjoy the other twenty-three, then that work is serving a purpose.
Don’t let the enemy twist responsibility into guilt.
So the next time you have to work while you’re “supposed to be off,” don’t beat yourself up.
Be intentional with the time you do have.
Be present when you’re present.
And trust that honoring your responsibilities is part of honoring God.
Because guilt doesn’t come from Him.