Like most of us we’ve had weeks and months indoors, learning to queue with smiles on our faces, exploring new neighbourhoods, fed many ducks, we’ve spent more time grappling with technology and the digital world than we realise. Sociable interaction with our community of friends has been at a minimum, we’ve baked A LOT of cakes and put on a fair amount of weight (speaking for myself!)...we’ve longed for hugs, dinner parties, close conversations, warm sunshine, travel, laughter and whole lot of normal.
Our two weeks away with family and friends was so good and there were moments I forgot the global pandemic. We were welcomed with incredible weather, delicious food, half days on sandy beaches, farm-shop visits, walks, tearoom cakes, country living at its best! Norfolk, for over a decade now, has become a home away from home and so a staycation there was a no-brainer; but when normal life is at a pretty full pace, adjusting to holiday-mode isn’t as easy as it sounds. Just me?
Even on holiday there’s much to distract me, swirling thoughts in my mind that take my attention one moment here, another moment there and sometimes it’s just about the holiday itself; what shall we eat? when shall we eat? where shall we go? I don’t want to waste the holiday...shall I lie in tomorrow? How can I make this time feel longer? what would the kids like to do? We must get them outdoors...we must get to the beach, then it’ll feel like a holiday...you get the idea!
Well, I was eager to start reading a book, that many had recommended but also intrigued me...a title like “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” (John Mark Comer) sounded like a great book for holiday reading...well yes it was, but check out these two particular quotes:
“Today, you’re far more likely to run into the enemy in the form of an alert on your phone while you’re reading your Bible, or a multiday Netflix binge, or a full on dopamine addiction to Instagram or a Saturday morning at the office or another soccer game on a Sunday or commitment after commitment after commitment in a life of speed.”
“Busyness...can cut off your connection to God, to other people and even to your soul.”
*Gasp*...I’m convicted barely 30 minutes into my read...
So after delving deeper into the book – seeking God and praying about all I was reading, I was determined to be present especially on holiday; we’ve had a full on 5 months, and so I needed to remove the biggest distractions that prevent me from really relaxing, having fun with the kids, or over thinking and over planning. It was hard because I was actually asking myself, my mind, my heart, my pace, to s l o w d o w n !
In order to do this I challenged myself to a few simple things...
The smartphone...I could wax lyrical about how this device enhances and helps me connect and allows me to find information in a click of a button and so on (which is does), but on the flip side it’s also a distraction. We’re all way too attached to them, for work, for play, for leisure...to alleviate boredom (or so we think). I can’t tell you how many times I’m telling our kids they’ve had too much screen time, or to put some device down, when really I should be doing the same for myself. So, on a few days, over some hours, I literally hid my phone in a drawer, or left it in the bedroom on purpose, which meant I wasn’t even tempted to pick it up. Sounds sad, really sad, but it freed me...to read, pick up magazines, read maps, play board games, have an uninterrupted conversation with others whilst being really present. What distractions do you need to ‘hide away’ for a time?
Margin...We desire so much for God to be front and centre and yet we’re guilty of never giving Him any margin in our lives. We fill every bit of space without considering asking the Holy Spirit for direction, discernment, wisdom, peace and so on. I made it a thing that on our walks to buy eggs from the local farmer, I would pray, I would thank God for who He is, pray for whatever was on my heart that day or in that moment. I reminded myself that all creation worships God and took in the beauty of the fields, the trees, the sky, the freedom. Is there room for God to move in your life, to speak into plans, hopes, dreams, decisions – does He have margin?
Quiet...the clear country air and skies in Norfolk meant that we could see so many stars out at night – they filled the sky. One such night we were out late to try and catch pictures of the stunning moon. After capturing as many as we could we got out some garden chairs and sat outside for a good 30 mins to lie and gaze at the stars. I remember the quiet...no one saying anything, just in awe of the expanse of stars, galaxies and planets beyond our time and place. In the quiet, in the stillness I knew God was there. I was reminded again not drown out the quiet, because in that place we know again that He is God.
So, you’re all wondering... was I able to slow down and enjoy our holiday? Yes I was! But it took a little discipline and time! And did I shed a tear when we pulled out of Owl Barn to head home...sure I did, I love that place but also because an unhurried life is not just for holidays, it’s for life. I want to and need to model a life which means I live present to my husband, my kids, our community and those we do life with – so I’ll continue this journey to ensure I learn to love the quiet, to give God plenty of margin and to put that phone away regularly.
