Taking time to rest and reflect

We are currently in the middle of the fourth heatwave of the Summer.  It might be rather uncomfortable for those who have to work, unless they are fortunate enough to work in an air-conditioned building, but those who are on holiday might be grateful for the lack of rain. Gardeners, on the other hand, might be wishing for more rain.
 
In this country Summer often brings long, warm days, which gives those of a sporting disposition the chance to play cricket, golf or tennis; for children it offers a long break from school before the new academic year. Gardens will be full of flowers, and the blackberries and other fruits are starting to ripen.
 
For some people, Summer is the time of year when they are able to get away for a holiday. It is an opportunity to take time away from the usual routine, to unwind and recharge the batteries. Different people like to do different things – some might like to lie on a beach or by a pool reading a book, and others enjoy holidays which involve taking part in activities. Some like to return regularly to favourite spots, whilst others enjoy exploring new destinations.
 
For several years, our Church has run the Holiday at Home, which is an opportunity for members of our church community who would not have the chance to get away, to meet at the Church for three days for shared activities. This year’s Holiday at Home takes place during the coming week and the people have signed up to attend will have an enjoyable time. Of course an event like this only happens because of the people who are willing to organise, lead activities, prepare food and transport people and we thank everyone involved in putting on the event.
 
The concept of a rest is recognised in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. We read in Genesis that after creating the world in six days, God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:1). The Ten Commandments also recognised the importance of resting on the Sabbath day – a day where there should be no work done and which is holy to the Lord (Exodus 20:8).
 
Leviticus takes this further and introduces the concept of the Sabbatical Year, when no crops were to be sown or reaped, but the land was to have a year of rest (Leviticus 25:1-7). It seems to me that the timing of this was aimed at an agricultural economy, but the principal laid down is that both people and the land need an opportunity to rest and recover.
 
Our Church relies on lots of volunteers who give their time willingly to lead and support a wide range of activities, and we are very grateful for all of it. It is important that everyone takes time to restore their energy reserves before commencing a new year of service in BRBC.
Adrian Rudd