Dear friends,
According to the ancient wisdom of the Book of Genesis, rest is an essential part of creation. God, having created everything that is, stands back from his labours and takes a break. God rests and enjoys creation. And God invites us to make it a rule that rest and refreshment should be built into the rhythm of life ever after. Sabbath rest is at the heart of everything.
Now that the summer festivals and activities that mark the end of term for our choristers are completed, now that August and the school holidays are here, I do hope that each of us will be able to enjoy the summer rhythm of life, and hopefully some rest and refreshment.
Vacations can sometimes help in the understanding of vocation as we have time to look at things afresh and see what God is calling us to now. Understanding our own nature is the work of a lifetime and sometimes taking time-out gives new insights, new perspectives and renewed energies.
Angela Ashwin has written, ‘Thank you Father, for the rhythm of rest and Sabbath at the heart of creation. Bless those who are on holiday now; may they be refreshed and re-created, and come home with new vision, energy and contentment.
Of course, it is also the case that not everyone enjoys taking time out. Holiday-times can be a source of stress and anxiety. There can be many reasons for this, to do with both personality and circumstance. Please spare a thought for those who are struggling with the cost of living this summer, including families whose children usually receive free school meals. Our local foodbank, along with many others, is experiencing high demand. Please consider making a donation of food or cash. There is a collection box at the Cathedral and a list of what is most required has been shared in Community News.
Whether or not you are having a holiday this year, I hope that you can take some time this summer for rest and re-creation.
I’ll close with another insightful prayer, by Edward Pusey:
Lift up our souls, O Lord,
to the pure, serene light of thy presence;
that there we may breathe freely, there repose in thy love,
there may be at rest from ourselves,
and from thence return, arrayed in thy peace,
to do and bear what shall please thee;
for thy holy name’s sake.
Amen.
With blessings and best wishes,
The Very Revd Catherine Ogle
Dean of Winchester
