Busy or doing nothing?
How often have you heard somebody just about to go on holiday say: "I'm going to do absolutely nothing for two weeks!"
That says a lot about the pressure of 21st century living and while doing nothing for a couple of weeks may be a perfectly valid antidote to all the stress, after a few days sheer inactivity may begin to pall.
Methodists by nature tend to be busy people Ð some would say too busy Ð so for them here's a list of suggested things to do on holiday of a mainly reflective nature which tries to feed the soul.
The suggestions hold good whether you are going somewhere exotic or just have a holiday at home. The main thing is that you need a little time to yourself and some physical and mental space...
- When did you last see the dawn come up? Seek out a good vantage point in advance and given fair weather, sunrise is an awesome sight every time.
- By the same token, when did you last gaze upon the night sky for more than a moment? Again choose a vantage point and ponder the "majesty of the heavens".
- Reflect upon a view of landscape. Then take a photo or write a verse or a few lines which will help you recapture the scene and the moment in the days to come.
- Read the hymns of Charles Wesley Ð or any other favourite hymn writer Ð for their poetry. Try not to hear in your mind the familiar tune that usually goes with the verses but weigh the words for their meaning.
- Read an inspiring book. While many people would have us believe that it is quite normal for life today to be like one long, unending episode of "EastEnders" or worse, we need to remind ourselves constantly in the words of the old prayer that "many persons strive for high ideals: and everywhere life is full of heroism."
- Re-read a favourite book
from your earlier years. Does it still speak to you? Reflect on your
situation when you first read it and now. How have you changed?
- Take the Walkman or the disc player, find a quiet spot and really drink in that favourite piece of music. Feel free to conduct or to sing along!
- Make a list of your favourite hymns and when you get back to church after the holiday, badger the minister and organist to put on your own personal Songs of Praise. Encourage others in the congregation to do the same.
- Take time to compile or update your prayer list and determine to use it daily, even when you haven't got as much time on your hands as you have now.
