About 10 years ago now a new
word entered the English language It was “Staycation”. The 13th
edition of Chambers Dictionary (published in 2014) defines Staycation as “a
period of holiday spent at one’s home”. And over the last year or so a lot of
people have been having a staycation as it’s not proved possible to go away.
But this year, as restrictions relaxed people started to use “staycation” in a
different way meaning taking a holiday in this country. Is it me, or isn’t
going on holiday in this country just going on holiday?
I think what reporters meant
was that people couldn’t go abroad for a holiday so were having to stay in this
country for holiday. I must admit I got cross about this – not so much about
using “staycation” in a different way to its dictionary definition, but because
the suggestion that going on holiday in this country was some how second best.
Over the years with my family,
I’ve enjoyed a few holidays abroad but I’m aware that for many people a foreign
holiday is still a dream and in fact any kind of holiday is treat.
That said, a holiday of some
kind whether a staycation, in this country or abroad is important. For a
holiday provides us with much needed rest. IN the account of Creation in the
Bible we are told that after God had created the world, on the seventh day he
rested (Genesis 2:2). Hardly surprising!
The story teller’s point is
the importance of rest. And for the Jewish faith, and subsequently the
Christian faith a day of rest, a Sabbath Day, has always been part of our
faith.
But we see in Jesus’
ministry times when he needed rest and solitude
IN Matthew 14: 22 – 23,
after Jesus had fed the five thousand, he left the crowds and the disciples for
a time of solitude and prayer. In Mark 6: 30 – 32 he said to his
disciples: Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get
some rest.’ So, they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place”.
And in Mark 7:24 we are told “Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of
Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet He could not
keep His presence secret” Even Jesus wearied of constant contact with other
people – just as we can – and need some time to himself.
Taking a break isn’t always easy. We may not be able
to afford it. We feel guilty. We replay all those things we should be doing.
But we must make time for rest. As followers of Jesus, we try and live our
lives by modelling his life as best we can. Therefore, if Jesus had a
staycation, then so should we.
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