Good afternoon Prescott family,

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter and aren't too exhausted? I definitely took the time to rest, but my problem is that my rest and sleep is never consistent. It's all over the place, a late night here and there, which can sometimes be followed by an early morning, which is really not healthy. And even if I do get that sweet 8 hours I still feel tired and exhausted.

By not having a consistent amount of good rest, our mood, the way we interact with each other, our mental health, and our physical health can all be affected.
A study on sleep reported that nearly half of all Australian adults (48%) report a least 2 sleep-related problems and that one-quarter of 12-13 year olds (27%) and half of 16-17 year olds (52%) do not meet sleep guidelines on school nights. It summarised how getting enough sleep or rest is vital in keeping your overall health and well-being in check.

Our world is filled with so many things that keep us from resting. It could be random thoughts that keep us up, worries we have for our family or work that doesn’t seem to end. Maybe it's health issues or anxiety, whatever it is, Jesus gives us a promise that we can hold on to in those restless moments. In Matthew 11:28 Jesus encourages us to lean on him and let him take all our burdens. No matter what we’ve gone through or the stresses that we have right now, we can leave it in His hands.

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

With only a week and a half of Term 1 left, I’m sure we’re all planing on how best to relax and enjoy the break. I hope you all find an opportunity to slow down and make use of the holidays. While you're planning that camping trip, going interstate to visit family or thinking of just staying at home, don't forget the promise Jesus said to us in Matthew and take rest in Him. Find time to hand over those heavy burdens, the things that keep you up and stressed out, and be sure to keep your time with Him consistent.

Lastly I leave you with an awesome passage found in Psalms,

“You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” Psalms 4:7-8

May God continue to keep us all safe during the final weeks of the term and into our holidays.

Many Blessings,

Pr Andy.