Families Picnic and Play

It’s summer! And with the lovely sunlight, comes the never-ending joy of applying suncream to God’s smallest but also wiggliest of humans. Among them are those who do their best octopus impression, and those who suddenly discover a previously-unknown talent for the discus, as sun hats are hurled from heads with flair!

As filled with beauty and joy and laughter as they are, the days can feel long as a parent and the night can seem all too short. By the time the summer holidays are underway, times of making lovely memories on sun-filled beaches are paired with an equal number of days just surviving the heat and finding fun things to do; all of which can leave little time to attend to our own physical, mental, social or even spiritual needs as parents.

If, for you, prayers with your child at bedtime have become more of a gateway to dozing off after a long night-time routine, than a chance to reflect, read or reconnect with God (at least consciously) then you are in good company. And it is worth reminding ourselves that even the great prophet Elijah came to the end of his resources and, having had enough of it all, fell asleep under a tree. But it was in that moment of exhaustion  that he was ready to receive the ministry of Angels; who brought him a simple picnic of bread and water and encouraged him to build himself up for the journey ahead. 
 
We think it’s time for a picnic too and, if you’d like to join us for some food and playtime in Florence Park, then bring a blanket and a tasty picnic lunch and meet Hannah at the cafe entrance at 10.30am on Wednesday 2nd August for the kids to enjoy the playground together. After some playtime we can find a shady spot, Elijah-style under a tree, to rest, eat and play. Good luck with the sun cream!