It is once again that time of year when people like you and I seek to get away from it all. I have noticed that the highways are more crowded already! The air is filled with talk about vacations—weeks long, or just weekend mini-vacations. Vacations are like a trip back into childhood, which we perceive as having been much more carefree, where there was less responsibility, and where there was the wonder of doing new things and meeting new people. Getting “away from it all” may be a longing for the nostalgic freedom of childhood for some.

     But, what is the “it all” from which we want to get away? The heavy responsibilities? The busyness? The rush of scheduling that wears us thin? We live so fast, and the anxiety mounts. The workplace, the family responsibilities, the people—we just feel we have to get away from something!

     Jesus took time out from His ministry to recharge and be renewed. Our real power to be renewed must then come from Him who knew that need too. It is Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who says, “My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14: 27).

     Times of recreation can be positive and a blessing from God. But, the reality is found in the words of St. Augustine that are still true today, “Lord, they will never find their rest until they find it in You.” The key to peace, rest and renewal is in Jesus, as we give ourselves to Him in faith each day. May our individual and collective goal for this summer be to position ourselves around God, His Word and His Holy Meal, so that we keep His agenda foremost in our minds wherever we may go geographically on vacation. And may we keep the awareness that He is graciously moving in our lives at all times, as well as in our world.

     After all, summer is also a good time to renew our relationship with God. It is a good time to pray and study the Word, as hectic time restraints and the pressures of work and/ or school are lessened. Be sure to put your Bible in the suitcase. Why not plan to read some of the books of the Bible on your vacation itself? Or, spend time discussing some Bible stories with your children, or grandchildren.

     Remember that God is with you all summer, going where you are going, refreshing you with His ever-present presence. God’s house is also open for worship here and near your favorite vacation spot on Sundays. So, be sure to keep God at the center of your lives and summer plans! A good way to start is to begin your summer rest with a new commitment to worship at St. Matthews.

     It is my hope that this will be a delightful summer for each of you. Use it to enhance your spiritual life in Word and Sacrament, as well as to grow in your fellowship with your family and your church. To that end, make every Sunday a day of worship, whether you are in the New Britain area, or traveling somewhere else. In all, may the Lord give you great growth in Him, whether you “get away from it all” or not!

Your brother in the Lord,

Pastor Potter