The month of August is a time when many people pack up a few important bits and pieces, heading off for some rest and relaxation.

Whether it is a day trip to the seaside, a walk in the forest, a week under canvas or flying off to exotic parts, we all cherish the opportunity to take some time away from the usual rhythm of life and put our feet up.

For some, a holiday begins on arrival at the destination, for others the journey becomes part of the undertaking and as soon as the door to home is shut, the adventure begins.

In our house we often talk of going on a ‘Cross Adventure’ which basically means we are driving around without a clue where we are (no we’re not lost!), seeing what unexpected delights we might discover off the beaten track.

The time to unwind also gives us the opportunity to think more deeply about things. Sometimes there is more space to read that book that has been sitting on the shelf for ages, or there is more capacity to talk with others, rather than those snatched conversations.

The Bible tells a story in which Abraham and Sarah set off on a long journey, and wondered whether God would be there when they arrived. They knew God was with them at home, but would God be where they were going?

Every place where they stopped on their journey, they prayed to God and found that God was already there, because God is everywhere.

So, if you are heading out this summer, why not ask God to bless you on your journey?

If you are off on holiday, you could take out the little card from your luggage label, if you have one, and on the back, write the simple prayer, ‘God bless us on our journey’.

Replace the card in its holder, and nobody will know the prayer is there except you and God.

If you are staying nearer to home, you could drop a note in with you picnic, that simply reminds you that God is with you as you spend the day.

May God bless you this summer.

Rev Katie Cross