大象传媒

Good morning. Let me make your day by telling you there are 34 shopping days left 鈥榯il Christmas. You don鈥檛 hear that term anymore, because every day is a shopping day. And thanks to online stores, every night is a shopping night too. And it鈥檚 so easy to access what鈥檚 on offer - I can sit in front of the TV with half a mind on Mock The Week, and the other half 鈥渁dding to cart鈥� on a novelty gift website. And while I鈥檓 at it I鈥檒l just check Twitter and Facebook for any messages. Oh and there鈥檚 a text I鈥檒l just reply to. And then when I鈥檓 in bed, I鈥檒l scan through my inbox on the phone just before turning out the light.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

The Times published some medical research that estimates one in five of us is in a state of near-permanent exhaustion. Not simply through lack of sleep, but through over stimulation and a failure to allow our brains to rest. To day dream. To process the thoughts of the day. Perhaps it鈥檚 true that gazing out of the train window on the way home has been replaced by emailing or using social networks. And a walk to work or to the shops is now a chance to make a phone call.聽 Our brains are exhausted and yet wired at the same time. No wonder doctors say their patients complain of lethargy, depression and low libido.

Jesus knew the importance of rest. The scriptures report many times that he withdrew to a quiet place, to think and to pray. To God it鈥檚 so important He encourages us to take a whole day out of our week to worship, to reflect, and to rest with our family.

Lord, in our busy-ness help us to be still. And when we take a moment with you, give us your peace.聽 Restore tired minds in Jesus鈥� name, Amen. 聽