I hope that some of you will find the holiday meditation useful. If you are not going away you may still find it helpful to use. Even if you are unable to get out of the house it could be used by focusing on what can be seen out of the window or things seen on the television.
I pray God will bless you all whatever you will be doing over the summer. Mary Evans.
HOLIDAY MEDITATION
"Be still and know that I am God"
DAY 1 The Journey
You have finally finished all the packing and you are on your way. Take some deep breaths and thank God for this time to turn from the everyday busyness of your day to day life. Take time to look around and see all that is going on. Thank God for those you are travelling with, your family, friends or people you have only just met. Try to let go now and let God take control.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
DAY 2 God's Creation
Today take in the beauty of God's creation. Wonder at the work of his hands. Look at the power of the sea, the majesty of the mountains, the
peace of the lakes and rivers, the splendour of the forests, the beauty of the flowers and the patchwork quilt of fields. As you gaze and reflect on the wonders of God's world, breathe in his stillness and start to unwind.
"Peace I leave with you;My peace I give you." John 14:27
DAY 3 Jesus Loves You
As you are beginning to relax be aware of Jesus and his love for you. Maybe you have been so busy before your holiday you feel you have hardly had time to be still before God. Take this opportunity now. Think of the story of the parable son and how the father welcomed his son back home. Close your eyes imagine Jesus with his arms outstretched inviting you to run to him and rest in his arms. As you take in each breath say the name of Jesus and feel his presence with you.
"Even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart...." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Joel 2: 12,13
DAY 4 All Around
Look around and see everything that is all about you. Enjoy the sights and the smells.
"O taste and see that the Lord is good." Psalm 34:8 How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103
DAY 5 Look up to the Heavens
Take time today to gaze at the sky. Be filled with awe and wonder as
you look at the colour of the sky, the changing clouds, the moon and the
stars at night.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens...
When I consider the heavens, the work of your fingers,the moon and the stars, which you have set in place what is man that you are mindful of him? Psalm 8: 1,3,4
DAY 6 SEEING GOD IN ALL THINGS
As you rest, walk or play today take a good look at everything around you, look
at things from various angles - see God in the shapes of the fluffy clouds, in
the trees that have stood tall throughout many years, in the smiles of people
you meet. Hear him in the sound of laughter, in the cry of the seagulls, in the
whisper of the wind. Touch him in the hard rocks and pebbles, in the texture
of the sand on the beach. Take time to just stop and stare.
The birds nest beside the streams and sing among the branches of the trees. Psalm 104:12
DAY 7 Holiday Reflections
Think back over your holiday and relive some of your experiences of
the last few days. Think of the people you have met and the people you
have seen. Think of the people back home, your families, friends,
neighbours, work colleagues. Thank God for them and for the way they are
part of your everyday life. Take time again to breathe in the very essence of
Jesus, be aware of his presence and ask him to help you to hold on to these
feelings when you return home.
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:11
