This is a copy of my article for the JULY 2013 edition of the Billericay ‘Around Town Magazine’

… No more worries for a week or two? If you are a bit like me, you can’t wait to begin your summer holiday.  Some of you, without children at home, may have taken yours already; those of us who have children in school can’t wait until the end of term for the holidays to begin; and some of you will be enjoying what is termed a ‘staycation’ – staying at home to undertake that DIY around the home/garden you’ve been putting off for months or, those of you who are really daring, will put your trust in the British weather as you travel to all corners of the British Isles!

Did you know that rest and recuperation from the busyness of life is a Biblical principle and was established by God?   We see this in the book of Genesis when, after creating ‘the heavens and the earth’, God rested on the seventh day. This is where the term ‘Sabbath’ comes from, a day of rest – usually on a Sunday.  Jesus recognised the importance of rest and recovery from the busyness of life and, in the Gospels, was often to be found jumping into a boat and crossing over to the other side of Lake Galilee to ‘escape’ from the crowds.  At other times, he would go up to a mountainside to pray.  This reminds us that Jesus, as well as being the Son of God, was also human and, just like us, struggled with tiredness and a heavy workload and needed time out to recover.

Unfortunately, because of increased working commitments, Sunday trading and Sunday sport, many people do not have the opportunity for a day of rest from their busy routine and often suffer the consequences of this, such as an increase in stress related illnesses and a breakdown in family relationships – which is why a refreshing summer break is so important.

I pray that your ‘much needed’ summer holiday, whether at home or aboard, will ‘recharge your batteries’ both emotionally and physically. However, might I also encourage you, in your busy lives, to refresh yourself spiritually, too?  Why not plan some Sabbath rest and attend a church near you? You’ll be surprised the difference this can make to your well being.