“IF ONLY the good Lord had put 14 days into a week, we might have time to do all the things we have to do!”

Have you ever been tempted to shout that? There’s just not enough hours in a day … there’s not enough days in a week … there’s simply just not enough time! We’re getting busier and busier. We get more and more tired. We seem to get less done than we used to do – and we lose the time for family, relaxation and God.

We used to be able to say, “Thank God, Sunday’s coming” – a day of rest, but even Sundays are hectically busy. Our rhythm of life has changed.

So thank God, Lent is coming – but when I look at my diary I still can’t see any gaps! And I guess I’m not alone.

We know we need a break. We know we need a rest. We know … but we can’t find the time to stop. We know … and we need to do something about it.

Jesus talked to his disciples about taking time out to be alone, and alone with God. Whether it’s in a quiet room, or a garden, or on a walk, or wherever – try stopping for a few moments – have a look around and take in the things you see – let the noise in your ears go away and listen to the quieter voices of birds singing, trees rustling and water flowing. You’ll be all the better for it – and you’ll go back to the work of life refreshed.