August can usually have a slightly slower pace and different rhythm. Opportunities to reflect, rest and plan next steps. God’s gift to us. Letting go the tyranny of the to-do-list. Choosing to prioritise things that often don’t make it onto the list. Perhaps that might be meeting up with friends, cleaning out the garage, reading that book sitting on the shelf, trying a new hobby, joining a summer club, visiting tourist attractions you’ve never yet made it to…
Jesus paid careful attention to the things he did and the people he spent time with. He ensured he had space away to rest and pray. At times he chose to leave work undone and move on to something new.
As church meetings slow down, schools close and holiday season sets in, I encourage you to see this month as gift. The opportunity to slow down and do things differently. Is there something you’ve not been able to find time to do that would be life-giving for you or others?
How might you carve out time and space to enable you to do it during August?
Our vision of the kingdom of God, which is good news for all, centres around God’s life-giving love for us. I pray that these summer weeks will be God’s gift to you and will feel life-giving and refreshing. A gift that will furnish you with stories and memories of joy and hope you can share with others and look back on during the busyness of general life. A month that will fill your heart with joy and gladness and enable your spirit to soar and sing as you rise up on wings like the eagle. An experience of God’s goodness and gift to you.
The Venerable Nicky Fenton Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales