Judy Harris – Children and Youth Development Officer/ Swyddog Datblygu Plant a Phobl Ifainc
“Be still and know that I am God.”
The holiday season is here, and many of our sessions take a break as people go on holiday. But amidst all the excitement, let’s remember the importance of taking time for ourselves. Nicholas Allen’s book “Jesus ‘Day Off” beautifully reminds us that time off is never wasted time.
It may be that we take the time alone. Being alone with God, creating a quiet space, and allowing ourselves to be still—that’s a gift we can give to ourselves, and we can even share it with others. Take a deep breath and relax. Renew yourself and recharge.
We’re all encouraged to take time out to spend time with God. God wants us to know that time spent seeking God, sharing our thoughts and feelings, and just being there for each other is not time wasted. The challenge is to make the time.
Find a quiet place, sit down, and connect with God. Listen to what God has to say and discover where God is calling you to share your experiences.
Take a moment to reflect on the past year. Think about all the changes that have happened, and all the things you’ve accomplished. Now, let’s think about how you want to do things in the future that make you feel energised and excited. And lastly, take a moment to check in with yourself and see how you’re feeling.
EARLY IN THE MORNING
Early in the morning, when really, it’s still night,
Jesus gets up quickly, before the sun is bright.
He needs to find a quiet place where he can think and pray:
He wants to ask his father, God to help him through the day.
Later in the morning when the sun is shining bright
Jesus’ sleepy friends wake up – they’ve slept right through the night.
They search for Jesus all around – wherever can he be?
‘Let’s go down to the beach,’ says one, ‘perhaps he’s by the sea.’
When at last they find him, they ask, ‘Lord, did you know
Everybody’s looking for you? – Where did you go?
‘I was talking to my Father, God: I need his help today
So I asked him to show me who to help and what to say.
Based on Mark 1:35-37. Christine Orme