Thoughts for the Day

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.

(New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

I can remember standing in my office in The Old Palace in Worcester, trying to collect things to take to a day-course I was running in Dudley, knowing I was going to be very late. I needed petrol for the car, and I hadn't got time to do that, but if I didn't fill up the tank I wouldn't be going anywhere. Added to this I had to be back in Persore later that afternoon for another meeting. My secretary was also trying to get my attention, and then the phone on my desk went!

Well we may not all have such vivid memories, but most of us know what it's like to be busy, or to have a lot of activity or noise around us. Covid 19 and lockdown has sometimes made this worse. Not everyone is isolated and alone. If they're trying to work in a small house or flat with family around this can be very difficult.

The disciples were in just such a situation, with people chasing them all round Galilee to see Jesus. But Jesus and his disciples needed time apart, to update one another, and especially to pray. It is no different for us. We need to find some quiet place and quiet time to speak to God - in the bath, or on a walk, if nowhere else!

Sunday 19th July, follow up thoughts

Lord God,
when our lives and our brains are busy
help us not to forget You
but to make sure we find time and space
to communicate with you;
to still our thoughts and
quieten our minds,
so that we can listen as
well as talk to You.
Amen.