Well, I'm back to speed after two weeks of vacation. These days are a joyous time in the church building, with 50 children here for Vacation Bible School, and I've sent out invitation letters to incoming Lutheran students arriving in two weeks at the College, and I'm working on the roster and schedule for this year's Affirmation of Baptism study, and I'm nearly finished with the sermon for this Sunday, and what a lot of people we have right now with serious health concerns...

But I'm in good emotional and mental shape, after the two weeks away. My vacation time was a wonderful opportunity to sleep and to read, and then to sleep some more!

Indeed, it was holy time.

I use the word "vacation" because that's what we Americans say. But I prefer what the British call it when they take time off: "holiday." That's a contraction, of course, of "holy day," and rest time is holy. Time for rest is a gift from God -- so that we will be healthy, and so we will be joyous in doing the work God gives us to do!

Please be healthy in your rhythm of work and rest.