News from the Regional Team  

Revd Paul Kerley

SEBA Regional Minister
 

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“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” 
Matthew 11:28

It seems that, more than ever, we live at breakneck speed - rushing from task to task, never pausing to draw breath or gather perspective. Ironically, with all the time-saving devices now available - far more than we had even a few years ago - many of us find ourselves for shorter or longer periods of time very tired, maybe exhausted, sometimes overwhelmed and even totally burnt out.

People are cramming more and more into life, often out of necessity, but sometimes simply because the rhythm of modern life demands it. And those in Christian ministry are not immune either. Whether we are Regional Ministers, Chaplains, Pastors, or faithful and dedicated church volunteer leaders, we can easily fall into the trap of wanting to do so much for God that we stop being with God. We find our spiritual vitality quietly ebbing away.

If we are honest, some of us never stop. But maybe we should.

Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is to pause and ask:

Where am I going?
Why am I doing what I do?
And is this what God wants me to be doing in this season?

As the summer months arrive and life perhaps slows just a little in our churches, let us use that space wisely. For those on sabbatical, as I know a number of you are, may this be a sacred time of restoration and listening. For others, find a time over the coming few weeks where you can have a quieter window to step back, reflect deeply and consider afresh what matters most.

Let us thank God for His goodness, and ask:

Lord, in this moment, what would You have me focus on?
What would You have me become?

Prayer
Gracious Father, teach me the value of stillness. When the pace of life overwhelms, make me lie down in green pastures, lead me to still waters and restore my soul. Help me discern what is essential and strengthen me to follow Your voice above all else.
Amen.