Simon Marsh

GOOD MORNING. One of my colleagues has just left for her summer holidays. A large family camping holiday: her husband, adult children and grandchildren are looking forward to a fortnight away from work. And I’ve loved chatting with them all over the past few days. Young and old alike have been equally excited … Auntie Ruth wonderfully and unashamedly so. And I’ve seen God in their shining faces. And I’ve prayed that they’ll have a ball, every one of them.

And I’m thinking of one of my parishioners, too. Largely housebound these days my friend enjoys holidays at home. A little summer house set in the midst of a pretty garden allows time and space for herself. Time to think on the joys of life. Time for a bit of reflection. Time to be thankful for the scent of roses, and of coffee, and of dew drops on grass. Other parishioners will benefit from a programme,  organized by Churches working together in our area, called “Holidays at Home” … special visits, shared interests, meals prepared by someone else.

Jilly and I will head off later this month to a much loved spot in Southern Brittany. And whether you’re going to be travelling somewhere or “holidaying at home” – the point of both kinds of holy day is the same. We all need to take regular breathers in our lives. Time to take stock. Time set aside so that we can purely and simply be glad to be alive.

I’m unfailingly excited by the thought of holidays. And I’m rarely disappointed. I try not to set expectations too high and my wife and I set out consciously intending that the holiday will be a break, a rest and a change of scene for both of us. If we sleep for much of the time, that’s OK. If we break our self-imposed diet rules, that’s to be celebrated. The only rule that we aim to stick by on holidays is the taking time each day consciously to enjoy being alive.

It’s worth making the effort. Many will remember the genial and much loved Pope John XXIII.

Pope John was asked once whether he had time to take a holiday. The assumption being that the cares of Church and State would keep him much too busy for frivolities. Not a bit of it though. “I’m going next week”, replied John the XXIII. I keep telling myself, “I’m only the Pope!”

May many days be richly blessed for you this summer. Grace & peace for you.