My Branson Getaway: Brief Hiatus Changes Everything

Sometimes life demands a brief hiatus.

Not because we’re weak.
Not because we’re running away.
But because we’re human – and healing takes time.

That’s where I found myself a few days ago: emotionally tired, spiritually worn, and desperately in need of space.

I decided on a whim to do something about it. I knew that a brief hiatus changes everything.

I had been trying to hold everything together since experiencing multiple personal losses, and it wasn’t going well. I was functioning, but I wasn’t living.

So, I took a brief hiatus and headed to Branson, Missouri.

This wasn’t a fancy vacation.

This was intentional stillness.

And surprisingly, it became one of the most spiritually refreshing breaks I’ve had in a long time.

Where I Stayed: Hilton Lodges at Timber Ridge

When planning a brief hiatus, location matters.

I chose Hilton Vacation Club Lodges at Timber Ridge in Branson, Missouri, in the United States because I wanted somewhere comfortable, peaceful, and scenic.

The reviews seemed really good, too.

From the moment I arrived, I knew I’d made the right decision.

Okay. No, I didn’t. Actually, they looked like Girl Scout camps at first. I had no clue the view from the entrance was deceiving.

The lobby was calm, the staff welcoming (Thank you, Belle!), and the suite—my goodness—the suite was perfect for someone needing solitude.

My private deck overlooked the woods.

I sat out there and just took it all in. No TV. No news. Just the sound of birds and the occasional breeze through the trees. This brief hiatus became my quiet time with God.

That deck was therapy.

I felt I received some perspective. A little more strength to say “goodbye” to life as I knew it. The same perspective to accept that while my family is gone, I am going to be okay.

God’s world is bigger than the world I lived in with my family. There is more.

Inside, I had everything I needed—fireplace, soaking tub, full kitchen. It felt less like a hotel and more like a small retreat cabin. Even though the property had pools and activities, I wasn’t interested. This wasn’t that kind of trip. My brief hiatus was about tuning inward, not outward.

The Still Waters of Table Rock Lake

One of the most healing parts of this brief hiatus was the time I spent at Table Rock Lake.

Water has always had a way of calming me. I drove to the marina, found a quiet bench, and just… sat. No schedule. No pressure. I let the sun hit my skin and watched the gentle ripple of the waves. I watched boats come and go. I prayed. I cried a bit. And I listened to the wind and to the voice inside me I’d been too busy to hear.

This is why we need a brief hiatus sometimes—to remember who we are beneath all the stress.

Watching the lake taught me a lesson: stillness is movement. When you’re grieving, you don’t always need to dosomething. Sometimes, you just need to be somewhere safe and still.

Angela and the Giant Pancake at Billy Gail’s

One of the few structured parts of my brief hiatus was breakfast at Billy Gail’s Restaurant.

Now let me be honest—I almost didn’t go in. The outside wasn’t polished or modern, and I almost drove away. But something told me to give it a try. I’m so glad I did.

That pancake? It was the size of a pizza. Literally.

And Angela—my server—was a gift. I wasn’t looking for conversation, but she made me feel like I wasn’t eating alone. She smiled, checked on me often, and had this presence that felt familiar. Almost like God placed her there for me.

Sometimes on a brief hiatus, God will send little angels in flannel shirts with coffee pots in hand.

As part of my brief hiatus, I wandered through Tanger Outlets Branson.

Normally, shopping would have cheered me up. But as I walked through the stores, I realized something odd—I didn’t want anything. Not a shirt. Not a candle. Not a purse.

I have everything I need.

This realization was profound. It reminded me that sometimes we chase “retail therapy” to distract from what we’re really feeling. But this time, my brief hiatus had already given me what I needed—clarity.

I left Tanger with nothing in my hands, but more peace in my heart.

Branson Landing: Pie, Prayer, and a Little Boutique

No brief hiatus is complete without a sweet treat, right?

So I headed to Branson Landing, near the Hilton Promenade (had a great stay there once), and stumbled upon a boutique called The Crystal Fish. Right next door was pie from The Pie Safe. Yes, actual pie—next to a boutique.

I went to the car and tasted my pie. It was like it was made with prayer and childhood memories.

While there, I browsed faith-based home decor and thoughtful gifts. I found what I needed! I bought some devotionals and a beautiful Bible cover!

And the environment—calm, inviting, Christ-centered—was another kind of healing.

It felt like God had made this shop just for weary women on a brief hiatus.

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A Few Laughs at the Hollywood Wax Museum

Healing isn’t always serious.

Sometimes, it involves laughter. And that’s what I found at the Hollywood Wax Museum.

During this brief hiatus, I didn’t expect to smile this much. But standing next to wax figures of celebrities (some oddly lifelike, others hilariously off) gave me some joy.

Grief can steal your laughter. A brief hiatus can bring it back—even if only for a few moments.

Lookout Point and Unexpected Tears

I drove to Branson Scenic Overlook off Highway 165.

I didn’t expect much, just a nice view.

This brief hiatus had allowed all the bottled-up emotion to surface. And there, high above the city, I thanked God for bringing me out of my home, out of my sadness, and into this place of quiet revelation.

Two Last Stops: Lambert’s Café and Osceola Cheese

On the drive to Branson, my brief hiatus started with a trip to Lambert’s!

 Lambert’s Café in Ozark, MO is famous for their “throwed rolls.” They literally throw hot, fluffy rolls across the dining room to guests. haha

You catch them (or not), laugh, and eat like you’re at a family reunion. For the record, I caught mine!

On the way home, I stopped at the Osceola Cheese Company.

Over 200 varieties of cheese. I only bought some jelly and chow chow (or cha cha as my culture calls it), but walking through that store reminded me how joyful small moments can be…even during a brief hiatus that started from a place of pain.

Why You Might Need a Brief Hiatus, Too

A brief hiatus isn’t indulgent.

It’s necessary.

It’s a sacred pause.

For me, Branson wasn’t a random destination. It was a lifeline. I needed walking, soulful breakfasts, and deep breaths.

I needed to disconnect from familiar stress and reconnect to unfamiliar peace.

And I want to encourage you: if life is weighing heavy, take your own brief hiatus.

You don’t have to go far. You just have to go intentionally.

Even a one-night stay or a day trip can recalibrate your heart.

Whether you’re dealing with grief, burnout, or transition, a brief hiatus allows God space to speak into your stillness.

Challenge for You

This week, carve out space for your own brief hiatus. It doesn’t have to be dramatic or expensive. It just needs to be meaningful.

Let your soul breathe.

Challenge:
Find one day to unplug. Visit a nearby park, take a drive, sit at a lake, or eat a meal alone somewhere quiet. Use that time to listen, reflect, and reconnect.

Journaling Prompts for Your Brief Hiatus

1. Where would I go if I took a brief hiatus this month?
2. What is my heart craving right now—stillness, laughter, nature, or conversation?
3. How can I give myself permission to heal, even if it’s not on anyone else’s timeline?

My Final Thoughts

This brief hiatus to Branson wasn’t a solution to my grief—but it was a turning point.

I’m still healing.
It’s not a fast recovery.
It’s not linear.

But now I know that a brief hiatus is not an escape. It’s an act of courage.

If your spirit is tired, maybe it’s time you give yourself permission to step away—even if just for a little while.

Let the lake remind you to move gently.
Let the pie remind you of love.
Let the view from the lookout remind you—there is more ahead.

Want more personal reflections and encouragement?

Subscribe to my journey of healing and hope right here at GodsyGirl.com. You’ll get honest stories, faith-filled tools, and maybe even a nudge to plan your own brief hiatus.

Let’s heal—one pause, one prayer, one pancake at a time.

Terri Wilson, M.Ed.  is the creator of GodsyGirl.com, a vibrant Christian blog for women designed to inspire and empower women to live their faith boldly and beautifully.

Through her Christian lifestyle blog, she offers encouragement, practical advice, and faith-based resources for navigating everyday life with grace and purpose.

As one of the passionate Christian YouTubers out there, Terri also shares uplifting videos to help women embrace their God-given identity and grow spiritually.

Whether you’re looking for devotionals, lifestyle tips, or heartfelt encouragement, you’ll find it all at GodsyGirl.com—a trusted voice among Christian women’s blogs.

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