Vicar’s Blog August 2023

Be still, Be Present, turn off the Gmail (don’t forget the Speedo’s)

I remember, when I was a child, the school summer holidays seemed incredibly endless – amazingly, the days seemed to stretch out and to go on and on – a time of lazing around and enjoying not having particularly much to do. Now, as an adult, father and Vicar, with the schools closed for the summer after the fun and farewells associated with the end of the school year, the six week stretch will seem to just fly by and will be almost over as soon as it’s begun. Thankfully the Deanery and Diocese slow down too over the summer. Perhaps they are enjoying a break too! However, I am fortunate in that I will be having some time off with my family and the chance to go on holiday and to get away from it all. These opportunities are really important – to be able to spend quality moments with Alison, Jessica and Issy (Harriet might come along too): for us all to be able to relax away from all the pressures of work and of school; and to be able to enjoy one another’s company without the demands of work and study hanging over all the time. The weather may not be great but it’s still a change of scene and routine. That said, we need to be back for A level results day……

Whether we go away on holiday or simply enjoy time relaxing at home, it is important for our mental and physical health to have times of rest and relaxation. It is also, I believe, important for our spiritual health as well. On a recent Deanery walk around Guarlford, we have talked a lot about the important of making time to be still and to reflect, and of making space for God and listening for God’s voice. In the busyness of our daily lives, the still, small voice of God can often be drowned out; and it is often when we are on holiday or just enjoying a break from our daily routine, that God is finally able to get a word in edgeways and we can benefit from more time to pray and read the Bible and to focus on God’s love and desire for us to experience life in all its fullness.

During his earthly ministry, Jesus made it a priority to escape the demands of the crowds – even the demands of his own disciples – and sought out places of quiet where he could pray and be alone with God. The Gospels are full of verses describing Jesus doing this; and if he, the Son of God, needed opportunities for prayer and rest, how much more do we!

So, whatever you are doing this Summer – whether you are going away or enjoying time at home or even giving thanks for the lack of emails from me; let us pray that each one of us will be able to find moments to be still, to be peaceful and to listen to God’s voice of love speaking to us and surrounding us with kindness, mercy and grace. Every blessing - Gary