|
Tom Bayliss Writes
Dear
friends,
Have you planned your holidays yet? Maybe you've had
them already! Most people look forward to the time when
they will take a break from routine, put everything to do
with work on hold, switch off the computer and head for some
place where they know they will have 'time out' for themselves.
The idea of rest and recuperation is an important one, all
the more so in these busy days that we live in, where answers
have to be instant and everything has to happen immediately
- usually at the touch of a button!
So, whether you're going far a-field, maybe somewhere exotic,
or just staying at home to relax in the garden, the concept
of 'holiday' is an important one. This in fact has been
the case since the beginning of creation. It was by
deliberate design that in the grand scheme of things God built
in a time of rest and commanded his people to do the same.
It is no surprise, therefore, to realise that 'holiday' derives
from 'holy-day' - an opportunity for religious celebration.
Yet, I wonder how many of us think of having a holiday as
being part of religious observance, or something spiritual.
But holidaying, or resting from the efforts of daily work,
is a divine imperative. Every person should be entitled
to a 'Sabbath' each week, a day of rest, whatever day that
might happen to be. We are reminded of the importance
of quietness and calm later in the Bible by the Psalm writer
who says, "Be still, and know that I am God." Even Jesus
himself needed to take time to withdraw from the crowds and
be alone.
So whatever you do, wherever you go, I wish you a happy time,
a safe journey and God's blessing on your time. May
your holiday be filled with 'holy days' as you relax in the
warmth of God's creative love.
Best wishes to you all,
Tom
Bayliss
|
|
