Faversham Times: Thought For The Week
Published 3 May 2012

Ever felt you can’t keep up? Overworked? Life is passing you by?

Alfie is my daughter’s hamster, and I can’t tell you how often I watch him running around in his wheel getting nowhere fast and thinking – that’s me, that is.

Years ago in Tacoma, Washington, a newspaper reported the story of Tattoo the basset hound. Tattoo went for an unplanned run when his owner shut his lead in the car door and drove off. Traffic policeman Kerry Filbert noticed a car that “seemed to have something dragging from it”. He followed and finally stopped the car, but not before the dog “reached a speed of 20 to 25 mph” and ”rolled several times”. Fortunately Tattoo was OK, but has not asked to go out for an evening walk for a long time!

I often feel like shouting ‘Stop the world, I want to get off’. God never intended us to lead frenzied lives.  Jesus said ‘Are you tired? Worn out? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest . . . Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.’ (Matthew 11:28-30)

That’s a welcome invitation! Taking time out is vital. Finding rhythms of work, rest, worship and play help to bring balance. And who knows the optimal maintenance schedule for our busy, mixed-up lives better than the one who designed us?

Jesus’ invitation comes with an RSVP. What do you say?