Time to rest, reflect and replenish

Preparing for holidays, preparing for exam results, preparing for test results, preparing for the next season in life.

July is a time to rest, reflect, replenish to give us time out of the regular stuff and walk into the space of relaxation. Yet it can also be a daunting time too as we wait in preparation.

I was talking with a young person I have known since she was 11, now awaiting her exam results. She said sitting the exams is ok, it’s waiting for the results that’s stressful.

I remember being away for my results so I got my best friend to open the letter for me and tell me over the phone. I was nervous as hell and so glad when it was all over.

Waiting is hard and we are not so used to it. I suppose that’s why we need rest, replenishing and relaxation.

Jesus said: “Come to me all who are weak and heavy laden and I will give you rest”; Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, said: “I am not ashamed to say I lean into Jesus.” This is where a greater peace and rest comes from because love knows we need it.

When we face trials and difficulties and testing times, which we all do, we have a God who knows, who cares and who longs to bring us rest, true rest, deep rest.

God bless you; God keep you and make his face to shine upon you and give you peace.

Revd Helen Rengert, Team Rector, Reepham and Wensum Valley Team Churches