Jerome's Jottings
Polmont Old Parish Church

The Magic of the Isle of Skye
The idea of holiday and rest is the theme of this Twinspire. It is a good one, in that we are on the cusp of the Summer Holidays and everyone’s thoughts and expectations are on the long, warm days, holidays, amusement and taking time out to relax. Having spent the Easter holiday on the Isle of Skye, the idea of a time to rest is still fresh in my mind as I write this. Skye is medicine for the soul. Where we were staying was isolated, quiet (apart from the new-born lambs) and the views spectacular. I did not realise how much I needed the rest.

‘Arinaar’
Rest and relaxation is a fluid concept and means different things to different people. To some it is that idea of ‘getting away from it all’, to others it is to throw oneself into a giddy routine of activity and frenetic energy, to others it is the idea of travelling and seeing new sights and doing new things. I first came across this expression of “Rest and Relaxation” during the Rhodesian War. Most of the young adult white population was conscripted to fight in the war. They served for several weeks at a time and then were allowed to go back to their civilian jobs for a few months before doing another tour of duty. Every so often, some of those serving would be granted a special weekend pass for ‘R & R’, pronounced ‘arinaar’. As a boy, I actually thought that was a word! My observation of those indulging in ‘arinaar’, was that of wild excess and drunkenness. I couldn’t wait to join the armed services!

Tensions of Life
R & R is needed so that our bodies, minds and hearts may relax and let go of the tensions that life brings. It is a time of healing and renewal. Our souls are also in need of R & R.

The Lord is my shepherd;
I have everything that I need.
He lets me rest in fields of green grass
And leads me to quiet pools of cool water.
He restores my soul.

Years ago I decided to take up the guitar. Wisely, I was soon persuaded to put it down again. In the middle of my very short-lived musical career, I asked a friend to tune the guitar for me. He was a violinist. He was not familiar with guitars and so tightened the strings, that a top soprano would have strained to reach the bottom note. Anyway, miraculously, the strings held and did not break. I tried a few chords, and we agreed that there was indeed a problem, so we had to release the tension on the strings to get them back to a more acceptable pitch. Oddly enough, the strings that held together throughout all that tension, only snapped when we released the tension.

R & R
Never allow yourself to be in a position where your ‘strings’ are too tight and you only operate at a high level of activity. Before things get too busy, take time to ‘arinaar’. And not just your body and mind, also your soul. Find that quiet place, be still, fill your mind and heart with the words of God, open yourself to the possibilities of God’s Spirit and enjoy the R & R He brings. And so, invigorated and renewed, carry on the good work of changing the world.

Happy Holidays!

Jerome