Noticings – June 28, 2023

This Sunday, just after worship, is a very special time. It’s the start of my holidays! ‘Holiday’ is an interesting word. The primary definition is about taking a break from one’s work for rest, or travel, or recreation. The original definition was about marking a special day, usually a religious day, with festivals or celebrations. In fact, the word is literally an amalgam of holy+day. Holidays are holy days! Yes, they are!

There is indeed something holy about pausing from one’s work. You may recall that obscure little part of the bible that talks about working for a time and then taking time to rest. It even has a name – sabbath. Even God needed some sabbath time after the work of creating the universe. (Yes, it’s all a metaphor, but it’s still powerfully true.)

Another holiday word is ‘vacation’. It’s roots in Latin speak of freedom, and to be empty. Ideally, on one’s vacation they are freed, temporarily, from the tasks and responsibilities that ‘fill’ their days, and they empty themselves of those burdens, at least for a short while. I love my work, but I am looking forward to being free and empty for a few weeks.

Another part of the bible talks about a prophet named Elijah who was having a very difficult time. I found this brilliant paraphrase on the internet: Elijah was like “God, I’m so mad! I want to die!” so God said “Here’s some food. Why don’t you have a nap?” So Elijah slept, ate, & decided things weren’t so bad. Never underestimate the spiritual power of a nap and a snack. (The actual story is in 1 Kings 19:5-18.)

So, my holidays will be part holy days, part freedom, and part naps and snacks! Mostly I’ll be reveling in our newly renovated kitchen and ensuite, which will be completed during my time apart. The only travelling I’ll do on my holiday is between the kitchen and the bathroom!

I hope that you will find a way to take a holy pause this summer, enjoy some sabbath time, empty yourself of tasks and responsibilities, and breathe deeply of some freedom. At the very least, don’t underestimate the spiritual power of a nap and a snack!

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(Noticings will return in August.)