In a sermon St Peter used the phrase, "Times of refreshing when describing the supreme sense of release in those who had repented and turned to God's ways. They relished their fresh confidence in being forgiven . . . a refreshment that comes from God."
When wishing our friends a happy holiday, we do well if we wish them "times of refreshing" in body, mind and spirit. On holiday, when away from customary routines and environment, we step back from our normal way of living, and take stock. We see things in our lives that need to be altered. We admit our mistakes and resolve to improve. Having done so, the realisation of getting back on the right path with the God eager to forgive us and help us fills us with confidence. It could be a "time of refreshing", glorious! We feel we have found God, and have been found by Him.
A former Archbishop of Canterbury, Michael Ramsey, one deeply schooled in prayer, tells of an experience in which he "got there". He enjoyed a "time of refreshing". He said: "Prayer is never easy." I have just been in a nearby church for the past half hour. I became aware in that setting of the presence of God, but it took 29 minutes to get there!" By persevering in prayer he had come to what St Peter called a "time of refreshing." In these days of speedy communication one could be surprised that it took the Archbishop 29 minutes, as he said, to "get there", to be given a lively awareness of being actually in God's presence.
A collect reminds us that God is "always more ready to hear than we to pray. He can maker speed to save . . . He can make haste to help us faster than a fax machine can deliver a message. It is true that we can experience a sense of God's presence when we think of Him. On holiday, when enjoying evidences of His presence in earth and sea and sky, we have a time of refreshing of spirit, Such moments make holidays into holy days.
Dr G.O. Simms, in telling about Archbishop Ramsey's words about prayer, paints out that his words were in answer to being asked if he found it difficult to pray to God in times of international strain or stress. During those 29 minutes his "eye of faith" was adjusting to the brilliant light of God's presence. Like those going on holiday it took time to unwind and adjust to the peace and beauty, and enter into times of refreshing. On holiday we have a wonderful opportunity to give a central place to the important things in life. O Sobbail rest by Galilee.
O calm of hills above, there Jesus knelt to share with thee
The silence of eternity
Interpreted by love.