A HOLIDAY PRAYER

We're now in the middle of the holiday season. I hope for those who've already had their holiday that you had a restful and relaxing time and for those still waiting that you return refreshed. The word holiday or Holy day originally referred only to the observance of special religious days and were often associated with great festivities and feasting. Today we think of holidays as a time away from our usual routines and often spent with family and friends. We have an expectation that because of employment law we will be given time off work and will continue to be paid during that time.

So what do we want or expect from a holiday? Is it peace and quiet or a place with a good party life, sand and sea or city culture? Whatever our preference, I suspect, what is most important is just getting off the treadmill of our busy and often complicated lives. Holidays provide us with the space to do something different from our daily routines and the time to recharge our batteries both physically and mentally. We hope we will return form a holiday revitalised and full of energy.

But, just as important to our well being is to recharge our spiritual batteries. But how on earth do we do this? One thing I find really helpful is to have a time of stillness each day. Whilst on holiday I might just sit and enjoy some beautiful scenery and in that moment of stillness find myself saying ‘thank you' to God. Of course you don't have to be on holiday to do this – you can do it anytime and anywhere. Why not take a walk or sit quietly in the garden on a summer's evening?

Sadly for many in this world holidays are just a dream. Many know if they don't work their family goes hungry and they struggle just to exist. Some find themselves in areas of high unemployment and yet others find themselves working for unscrupulous employers. Thankfully there are organisations who fight for the rights of oppressed people and who work to promote justice, better working conditions and fair pay for producers. My prayer is that such organisations will help make holidays a reality for many more people in the world. Why not make it your prayer for your holiday?

Wishing you a relaxing and refreshing holiday.

Wendy