Not all Sea and Sunshine

Some years ago I worked for a short while for a Christian travel business.  It was an enjoyable time, and one thing I remember from the experience is the frequent use of what was said to be the only Biblical reference to holidays: “Because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’” (Mark 6:31, NIV).  Although it’s not in line with what most people these days would consider a holiday, this verse was commonly used when selling retreats at centres that offered a ‘contemplative experience’.

It confirms a need that each of us has from time to time to get away from the busy-ness of our lives, and to make time for refreshment.  We should re-align ourselves regularly with the natural world, listen afresh to God’s word and tune in again to His will in our lives.  Until recently, I had given this no further thought than that, but come with me now to St Mark’s gospel, and let’s re-visit this verse.

 

The disciples had been sent out two by two to preach repentance and to cast out demons (5:7-11).  The narrative is interrupted by the news of the death of John the Baptist, and then we hear of them coming back, filled with excitement, to report their experiences to Jesus.  No doubt there were achievements they wanted to share, but also problems they had encountered, uncertainties upon which they sought guidance.  But the crowds followed them all wherever they went, and it was difficult to get a word in edgeways, let alone some serious quiet time with their Lord.  So there was a definite need to get away by themselves.  It was only for a moment, though, because they were spotted leaving, chased around the lake, and the next thing we read is the familiar story of the feeding of the five thousand (6:35-44).

What does this tell us about holidays, then?  I suggest that the primary lesson is that their aim shouldn’t be to do nothing.  Secondly, there is a question in my mind about who holidays are for: the disciples saw Jesus teaching the crowds (as usual!) instead of spending time with them and, perhaps in frustration, wanted to send them away.  Jesus, however, calls them to a responsibility of care: ‘You give them something to eat’ (6:37).  Perhaps there is wisdom in the old saying ‘a change is as good as a rest’.  Maybe instead of thinking only of pleasing ourselves when we have a break from normal life, we should also consider ways in which we might enrich the life of other(s).  Who knows? – that might be even more enjoyable!