Rector's letter for August 2024

And on the seventh day, He rested...

August often brings a welcome pause in many of our activities, offering a chance for a break, a holiday, a time to rest.

This brings to mind a story of a Christian who refused to take an annual holiday, insisting that since the devil never takes a day off from his evil work, neither should he. But should we not be following the example of Jesus and not the devil in our discipleship?

God rested on the seventh day after completing His work of creation. Jesus invited us with these comforting words: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). He regularly took time away from His work and the crowds to rest, pray, and be refreshed.

The Latin poet Ovid wisely wrote, “Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.” How true this is! Yet, why do we find it so hard to take time off to rest? Why are we always so busy?

On our motorways, we see signs warning, “Tiredness can kill. Take a break!” Even my car, if I've been driving for too long and it recognises that I'm getting tired, will display a message on the dashboard with a cup of coffee symbol to remind me to "Take a break". This is a message we should heed in our daily lives as well as on long journeys. We could all benefit from having this reminder visible in our homes or workplaces.

Taking time to rest doesn’t necessarily mean jetting off to the sun for a fortnight. For some, that isn’t practical or financially possible, and it can sometimes even be more stressful!

Rest could be found in doing something we enjoy, being kind to ourselves, spending time with uplifting people, or simply appreciating God’s creation around us. So, I encourage you to follow God’s example and "take a break"!

As Walter C. Hagen wisely advised, “Don't hurry, don't worry. You're only here for a short visit. So be sure to stop and smell the flowers.”

Wishing you a restful and blessed summer break.

With every blessing this August,

Revd Paul

The Revd Paul Wilson

Rector of the Epworth Group of Churches

Priest-in-Charge of the Belton Group of Churches

Assistant Curate of the Crowle Group of Churches and the Haxey and Owston Ferry Plurality

Rural Dean of the Isle of Axholme Deanery