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今年暑假我有一個特別的經歷——第一次在加拿大參加為露營活動。作為牧者，我常常忙於事工、會議與牧養，但這次的休假讓我有機會暫時放下手邊的事務，全然地與神同在。營地環境非常優美，白天有陽光、清新的空氣，湖水清澈見底，夜晚則能仰望滿天星斗。在大自然的懷抱中，我深刻體會到詩篇所說：「諸天述說神的榮耀，穹蒼傳揚他的手段。」（詩篇19:1）大自然向我們宣告，神的創造無比奇妙，我們只要靜下心來，就能感受到祂的同在與慈愛。
除了美麗的景色，更寶貴的是與教會幾個家庭一起的團契時光。我們一同搭建帳篷、預備食物、分享見證，孩子們一起嬉戲玩耍，成年人彼此交流和代禱。這段相處讓我再次意識到，教會不僅是事工的場所，更是屬靈家庭的延伸。弟兄姊妹之間的扶持與陪伴，能讓我們在信仰道路上不孤單，也提醒我，作為牧者，陪伴與關心每一位肢體，是我的責任與喜樂。
此外，我們還與另外幾個家庭一同去釣魚。這次收穫特別豐富，不僅釣到不少魚，也在湖邊享受了三天悠閒的時光。與孩子和其他家庭一起釣魚，更增添了團契與共享的樂趣。釣魚的過程讓我再次學到等待與耐心，也想到主耶穌呼召門徒「得人如得魚」的教導（馬可福音1:17）。作為牧者，我深知福音的果子同樣需要耐心撒種與等候，許多時候我們看不到立刻的結果，但神的工必然在祂的時間裡成就。這提醒我，在牧養的過程中，我需要學習耐心，也要讓弟兄姊妹有成長的空間，並仰望神掌管一切。
更令我感恩的是，整個暑假我能與兩個兒子一起有更多相處的時光。不論是在帳篷裡的談笑，還是湖邊釣魚，他們的童年記憶裡都留下了與爸爸同在的美好片段。對我這位牧者而言，這不僅僅是一個假期，更是神提醒我：家庭是第一個事奉的禾場，陪伴孩子成長，是最重要的屬靈投資。教會的服事固然重要，但如果失去了家庭的牧養，我也無法完全活出基督的愛與榜樣。
願我們在忙碌的生活中，也能學會抽出時間，去親近神、陪伴家人、與肢體同享愛與喜樂。
Spiritual Journey During the Summer Vacation
This summer, I had a special experience—my first time attending a camping trip here in Canada. As a pastor, I am often busy with ministry, meetings, and shepherding, but this break gave me the chance to temporarily set aside my responsibilities and fully be present with God. The campsite was incredibly beautiful—sunny days, fresh air, and crystal-clear lake waters, with nights under a sky full of stars. Immersed in nature, I deeply felt the truth of Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” Nature declares to us the wonder of God’s creation; if we quiet our hearts, we can sense His presence and love.
Beyond the beautiful scenery, the most precious part was the time spent in fellowship with several families from our church. Together, we set up tents, prepared meals, and shared testimonies. The children played joyfully together, while the adults exchanged thoughts and prayed for one another. This time reminded me again that the church is not only a place for ministry—it is an extension of our spiritual family. The support and companionship among brothers and sisters in Christ help us journey in faith without feeling alone, and they remind me, as a pastor, that accompanying and caring for each member is both my responsibility and my joy.
We also went fishing with a few other families. The trip was especially rewarding—we caught quite a few fish and enjoyed three days of leisurely time by the lake. Fishing together with children and other families enhanced the fellowship and the joy of sharing. The process of fishing taught me again the value of waiting and patience, and it reminded me of Jesus’ call to His disciples, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Mark 1:17). As a pastor, I understand that the fruit of the Gospel also requires patience in sowing and waiting. Often, we do not see immediate results, but God’s work will surely be accomplished in His time. This reminds me that in shepherding, I need to practice patience, give space for growth, and trust God to oversee everything.
I am even more grateful that I was able to spend more time with my two sons throughout the summer. Whether laughing together inside the tent or fishing by the lake, these moments have left lasting memories of their childhood with their dad. For me as a pastor, this was more than just a vacation—it was God’s reminder that the family is the first field of ministry, and investing time in nurturing children is the most important spiritual investment. Ministry in the church is important, but if I neglect the care of my own family, I cannot fully live out Christ’s love and example.
May we, in the busyness of life, learn to take time to draw near to God, accompany our families, and share love and joy with our brothers and sisters in Christ.