Dear Friends,
Peter and his work colleagues have had a very busy spell. Their boss had commissioned them to take more on board; travelling extensively while relying on others for the basic necessities of life. They had been working all hours of day and night to achieve the set goals. Upon returning back to base they had a team meeting with their boss, and told him about all they had done. They were tired; emotionally, physically and mentally drained. Their boss sensed their weariness and invited them to: Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest (Mark 6: 34).
Perhaps for different reasons, we are engaged in the same sort of journey as Jesus’ disciples – from time to time we find ourselves or those we know emotionally, physically and mentally drained either because of personal circumstances, or because of the complex world we are living in. In response to the question ‘how are you?’, time and again I hear individuals say ‘tired’.Some of the causes for this response include:tired of playing catch up with the fast pace of technological advancements and information overdrive – tired of heavy workload -tired of economic and social pressures – tired of being alone – tired of the depressing news about the senseless horrors and brokenness in our world.
Friends, we all need a good balance of work, rest and play, so as he did with his disciples Jesus addresses our tiredness and busyness with an invitation for rest: Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest (Mark 6v.34). Summer is here affording us the opportunity to take up Jesus’ invite to simply rest for a while; to refresh our bodies and souls. The encouragement is to step back, and stand apart from all the things that usually drive and consume us, without feeling guilty. Let’s use the opportunity to taste afresh of God’s goodness, and discover new things about him, and his creation. Also let’s use it as a time to renew our relationship with Jesus, to become more aware of his presence, and experience a sense of peace and contentment. Enjoy the beautiful photo of a Potentilla bush, with flowers that blossom all summer in Alison Hale’s front garden.
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Enjoy your summer Every blessing Irene John |
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