12 Ways to Spend Your Spring Break
Without fail, every year, the Florida beaches fill up with crowds of college kids for spring break. Bikinis, too much alcohol, partying, sex, drugs, and whole lot of sunshine are all common sights. And almost all those things have no place in a set apart girl's life. So, what's a girl to do? Because lounging around alone in the dorms or at your parents' house can be really depressing when your feed is filled with classmates partying it up in Panama City.
If you are still looking for spring break plans, or if you're already out of school and happen to have a vacation (or long weekend!) coming up, we've compiled a few ways to spend your time off that are fun, yet completely appropriate for a daughter of the one true King.
Go on a short-term mission trip. Many non-profit organizations and churches offer short-term missions trips (7-10 days) that may coincide with your spring break. If you're going on your first mission trip, check out our resident missionary's tips on preparing for your trip! You can even do a local mission trip right in your town or in a nearby urban area.
For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me. -Matthew 25:35-36
Spend time with your parents and/or grandparents. Sometimes, we're so busy growing up that we forget our parents and grandparents are getting older. They won't be around forever, so if you're blessed enough to have grandparents who are still alive, pack your bags and spend a few days with them. Yes, if you only see your grandparents on special holidays, it might be awkward at first to spend one-on-one time alone with them, but once you get past the awkwardness, it's totally worth it. Listen to their stories, ask them for advice, take them on a walk, help them cook or clean, fill them in on your life, and just be there. I know this is not the most glamorous way to spend your spring break, but y'all, there is so much wisdom and love there and in a few years, when they're gone, you'll be so grateful for those few days with them.
The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness. -Proverbs 16:31
Do that one thing you've always wanted to, but never found the time for. Start a blog, write a book, learn a new skill, paint, sew, hike, go camping, finally make something off your DIY pinterest board, or whatever else you have on your life bucket list. Like, maybe write for Tirzah? Because if not now, then when?
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. -Proverbs13:12
Visit a friend you haven't seen in awhile. Road trip, book a flight, or go across town, but put your time and money (or miles!) where your heart is. A lot of my friends live in different states than me, and I know there is nothing sweeter than when I get to visit them for a few days or they come visit me. We're all busy, but remember to make time for who matters most. This is especially meaningful if you have a friend who is going through a rough time and could use a pick me up!
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. -1 Thessalonians 5:11
Make it a staycation. If you can't leave town for spring break, you can still make the most of your week off by playing tourist in your own town. Explore a new restaurant, park, coffee shop, farmer's market, or museum you have yet to visit locally. You can also do something that you maybe normally don't have time for in your schedule - a long bubble bath, reading, catching up on your Bible study, or working on a hobby you love. If you're a social gal, organize a dinner party or host a Bible study brunch for your other friends staying in town (maybe invite a few acquaintances who you wouldn't otherwise hang out with).
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. -Ephesians 5:15-16
Serve others. Whether it's volunteering at a local shelter, your church, or just offering to baby sit your married friends' kids so they can have an afternoon off, dedicating your time to give back is not only enjoyable but it also brings glory to God.
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. -1 Peter 4:10
Spring clean and organize. Okay, so I know there are a few of you reading this who are would rather organize, clean, and make things pretty in your place than almost anything. Call it therapy or just OCD-tendencies, but if it makes you feel better, then do that (you really don't have to be like everyone else, darling!). Also, this might be a good time to print some of your photos off your phone and computer. For example, Chatbooks will turn your instagram photos into cute little books (use code "HMA2YTYY" to get your first book FREE!).
Take a day or weekend trip locally. Whether it's a big city or a national park, there is something near you that you've wanted to visit or explore but never have the time. Even if it's just an hour's drive away, book a Air BnB, get in your car, and go. You can spend the day alone - ducking into cute little shops, spending hours at a tiny coffee shop, or getting lost in an art museum. Or you may want to invite a friend or two along for the adventure.
Do a devotional study. We all have those Bible studies, books, or webinars we keep meaning to watch but never seem to have the time for. So, if you have a few days with no real agenda or deadlines, pull those things out and dig in. Conveniently, our Proverbs 7 Woman Devotional is a 5-day study - leaving you with two free days for that weekend getaway, if you'd like!
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. -2 Timothy 3:16-17
Clean up and organize your online footprint. When was the last time you Googled yourself? It might sound vain, but you'd be surprised at what stuff can get associated with your name online. For example, did you know that what you pin on Pinterest can show up in Google search results under your name? So, if you went through a phase of wanting a flat stomach or pinning every photo of your dream man/relationship/wedding/etc...., then those photos may be showing up when employers Google you! In addition, a few months ago, we talked about purging your social media feeds from people who cause you to feel unworthy or outlets that may fill your mind with unnecessary stuff, so if you have a few free hours, purge away!