The arrival of “Spring Break” next week offers a chance for students,
teachers and families to disengage from some of their regular routines,
relax a bit, and re-charge their batteries. Taking advantage of such
opportunities can be important – especially in challenging times such as these. It’s easy to feel anxious, exhausted and depressed by all the bad news we hear, and it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by everything that’s happening. So breaks like this can offer us the chance to focus on other things for awhile, and restore our strength and spirits.
To this end, a host of counsellors and theologians encourage us to embrace some healthy practices that can help to reduce stress and improve our well-being.

They include:
Spending time with people who are supportive
Getting some regular exercise
Eating well
Doing what we can to get enough sleep
Engaging in activities that we enjoy
Focusing on life’s positive aspects
Taking time to pray, meditate and be still
Writing down, at the end of each day, three things for which we’re grateful

Of course, each of us will have more need for some of these practices than others. But regardless of our situation or circumstance, disengaging from life’s trials, pressures and concerns for awhile can be helpful. Indeed, even Jesus did this. The gospels repeatedly tell us that, after periods of intense activity, Jesus regularly went off to quiet and secluded
places with his disciples to rest, re-charge and pray. This week’s gospel reading tells of one such occasion – and suggests that it’s at times such as these that God can be present in powerful and even life-changing ways to restore, strengthen and empower us all. So we’ll be focusing on the story of Jesus “transfiguration,” and on the gifts of the Spirit we are offered.
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday at 10:30 am.