Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - July/83

Contributor - Rev. Charles Kleinhesselink

Title -Meditation

Topic - Meditation

It was the middle of May and I could count the days and even the hours when the school doors would close for the long summer months. No more homework, no more stuffy study hall periods, and no more teachers at least for a while. The summer was fast approaching and I couldn't wait. The smell of freshly cut alfalfa and the aroma of a newly plowed field tantalized my senses. For the next three months my world would revolve around tractors and combines. Although my farming days are long past, there is part of me that will always hold dear my rural upbringing on an Iowan farm. As you can obviously tell, I look back on those times with warm nostalgia. Why? There are a host of reasons. Some of them I've already alluded to, but as I think back in retrospect one of those reasons comes clearly to mind.

Summer represented to me a refreshing change from the ordinary. It is evident from the New Testament that Jesus knew the therapeutic value of rest and relaxation which represented a change from the ordinary. It is recorded in the book of Mark 5:30-32 that "The Apostles returned to Jesus, and told Him all that they had done and taught. And He said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, 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 lonely place by themselves." If we were to read further we would soon discover that Jesus had hoped that there would be a time for quiet reflection. Rather, this time turned out to be the setting for one of the all-time great miracles - the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus was not to be denied because in verse 45 of the same chapter we read, "Immediately (after the feeding of the multitude) He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He dismissed the crowd. And after He had taken leave of them, He went up on the mountain to pray."

We can learn from this Gospel that there may be times in our lives when the peace and serenity of being away from it all is still necessary. Jesus realized that there are appropriate times to leave the maddening rush far behind and renew, refresh and revitalize ourselves.

What are your plans for the summer? A fishing trip with your family? A visit to one of our great national parks? Many of us may not have the golden opportunity of school days to spend three months away from job obligations and other pressures, but a vacation is more a necessity than a privilege. Enjoy yourself and don't feel guilty. Chances are you may come back enthusiastic and ready to get back into the swing of things. Have a great summer.

Please click the "Back" button of your browser to return to previous page.