‘For anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.’ Hebrews 4:10 NIV
Busyness is one of the banes of modern life, if we are not doing, we are wasting time. Or, keep them busy, then they won’t get into trouble. It’s frenetic, it’s controlling, it’s unhealthy; and sometimes school feels like that! But it’s not what God intended for us.
When we ran camps, one of the best things was keeping the program light with lots of chill time. Time to be together, to relate, to enjoy solitude, to think and reflect, to play a game or do some sport for the fun of it. Time, in fact, to rest.
Rest is a Godly attribute. If our Creator needed to rest, how much more do we? Rest though, does not mean being inactive (though it might, for a time). The very best rest happens when we look deeply into the heart of God. Perhaps in prayer, or in contemplating His word as given to us in the Bible, for example. We might do it in solitude or in company with like-minded people. Some folk are restful to be around: seek them out. Best of all, we can come to Jesus, who will give us rest as we learn to walk alongside him and enjoy the ‘unforced rhythms of grace’ (Matthew 11:28-30 MSG).
School’s out! It’s time for some rest. Let’s pray that our young people get to discover what that is about.
As for me, a time of extended rest beckons, as I lay down my responsibilities with NISCU after 16+ years. It has been a joy and an honour. Thank you all for making my time here such a pleasure. As I head off into retirement, I know NISCU is in good hands and in a good place and that God has much to do for our young people, in schools. I shall be praying for you all!
Pam Jones – Operations Manager, RETIRED!
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