Summer renewal: Find time for prayer and relaxation

Bring Jesus along on your holiday and let him know how you are doing

A question that people are frequently asked is “How are you doing?”

A common response is “I am really busy.”

Today it seems people have more to do with less time to get things done. Technology was supposed to solve this problem by creating more efficiencies. With less work we should have more time for leisure.

Sadly, this is not the case as we simply use the extra time to do more. Cellphones and emails have not helped as they seem to make people readily available morning, noon and night, at home or on vacation.

To be really busy becomes a problem because it can create stress, fatigue and negatively affect our physical and emotional well-being. It can take the joy out of living.

This is the Canada Day long weekend and traditionally it marks the beginning of the summer holidays. It is one of the most anticipated seasons of the year because we are able to relax, enjoy the warm weather, and spend some time away from our daily routines.

School is out, days are longer, and friends and family can enjoy being together. Summer is also a great time to catch up on our reading.

Even William Shakespeare appreciated the beauty of the summer when he wrote, “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate.” (Sonnet 18)

As we hit the pause button we are able to relax, reflect and restore.

Recreation is often described as an activity of leisure. (Wikipedia) I would like to consider the “word within the word.” When we “recreate” we are able to “recreate.” We are able to build up all that has been diminished by the busyness of life. This can also happen spiritually.

Jesus understood the importance of living a balanced life. For him, “all work and no play” was not a good thing.

We find an example of this in the Gospel of Mark. “The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.” (Mark 6:30-34)

From this scripture passage we see that Jesus is our compassionate shepherd. In his great love he also teaches us how to live a life that brings joy. He invites his followers to “come away” and rest with him. Jesus offers an opportunity to spiritually “recreate.”

In his letter to the church in Corinth, St. Paul writes, “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) Jesus helps to make all things new.

To take time to talk, listen, rest and be renewed in the Lord, is really what prayer is all about. Unfortunately, with a very busy life, prayer is often the first thing to go. From a Christian perspective, it is important to make time for Jesus. Bring him along on your summer holiday and let him know how you are doing. He will help you to bring balance and joy to your life.