Isn’t this inviting… Smart white boats afloat on tranquil blue waters. I’d love to take a trip down the estuary, meandering gently and watching for wildlife. It looks perfect and wonderfully relaxing.
I wonder if there will be boats in heaven?
These are working boats, ferrying holiday makers- and perhaps a few fishing expeditions. But “all work and no play” is a recipe for stress and burnout. Making time to rest, to play, to be creative, to just “veg out” is vital to our wellbeing. I’ve just been on holiday- you will see photos of Northumberland landscapes and castles in due course. For me, taking photos is creative fun and also a method of praying. I turn what I look at into praises and prayers, remember Bible insights, and then reflect theologically as my looking turns into deeper seeing. The process helps me- and I hope sometimes it blesses you!
I didn’t get my ride in these beautiful boats. But I took rest, time out: after all, even God took a rest at the end of the Creation narrative. So I feel no guilt – instead I take joy in remembering and imagining… Peter, Andrew, James and John- fishermen who followed Jesus.
Jesus used boats to get around Galilee; he even calmed a terrifying storm that threatened to capsize the boat. “Peace, be still.” Such simple words, and what profound power!
Lord, may my voyages of faith be safe in Your presence; and may my resting honour You as it blesses me. Amen.
The Reflectionary 