Raring to go?

Jenny and I had the privilege of a longer break this summer. It was a much needed break after last year and I hope and pray that you were able to get time to rest, reflect and replenish.

Since coming back, people keep asking me whether I feel rested and ready to crack into the year. It’s an obvious question but the answer I give is probably not. I feel really rested and I’m looking forward to the year but I don’t feel like charging out of the gate. I don’t feel like I’ve got all the energy in the world or have all the solutions to the challenges we face.

I wonder if you can relate. I’m hearing this sort of thing more and more and I wonder if it’s a bit of a Covid hangover. The last three years have taken their toll and perhaps the things that usually replenish and refresh us just aren’t cutting it anymore.

But with all this in mind, here’s why I’m not worried about the year ahead.

We can replenish here.
We have the privilege of living in one of the most beautiful and condensed cities in the world. It means that whether your thing is walking in the hills, being by the sea, eating good food, spending time with friends, those things are never too far away. The other day, I squeezed in a 10 minute swim in the ocean after work and I suddenly felt a million miles from challenges. I realise I can replenish here.

We know what to do.
Chances are you know the things that refresh you - the things that fill your tank. But when we’re in a particularly challenging season we need to double-down on some of those things. It’s always good to have a think about whether you’re making time for those things in the first place. I know worship fills my tank but I need to make time for sitting at the piano and singing. I also realise that friendship is something I’ve neglected and need to pay attention to. I wonder what you need to pay attention to or may have let slip?

We always need Him
The final reason I’m not worried is the most important. If I was hitting the year at full speed and feeling great, there’s a risk that I’d be struggling by Easter due to self-reliance. The truth is that what we need to accomplish is impossible in our own strength. It means I’m starting day one with an acute awareness that I am in desperate need for the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. It means I’m prioritising time for prayer and encountering the Lord more than ever before. Whether long or short, how can you be prioritising time with the Lord as part of your rhythm to ensure we all continue to rely on Him?

Much love,
Simon


This post is part of the Senior Pastor’s weekly blog. Go to the blog feed >>

Andrea MullerSPblog, City, East, Night