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SCRIPTURE: JOHN 21:4-13

Jesus appeared to his disciples on the sea, gave them bountiful harvest, and late dine with them at the beach.

REFLECTION 

A picnic on the beach is our theme for today. A picnic is a leisure event organized in a place of interest by a family or a group of people where food and drinks are shared amidst fun and entertainment. Ideally, it is an excursion or outing with food usually provided by members of the group and eaten in the open. We see topics such as faith and Jesus as our provider in today’s Scripture reading but our focus is on the picnic Jesus had with His disciples. Today’s theme brings back the memory of my late father who on some Easter and special holidays takes us to Busua beach in the Western Region for a picnic. There are times we shall visit Elmina and Cape Coast Castles, Kakuum forest, and canopy walk and then proceed to have a picnic at Hans Cottage where they have a crocodile pond in the Central Region. Wli waterfall is also one of the places we frequented as a family in the Volta Region. I have intentionally mentioned the above places to give options to people who after reading today’s reflection may consider a place for a family picnic. 

Picnics serve as a time for family reunions and relaxation. After working for the most part of the year and children spending most part of their time in school, it is important to plan a trip, visit a beautiful beach and have a memorable picnic. After the disciples went fishing throughout the night and were unsuccessful, Jesus gave them a bountiful harvest. Knowing how tired they were Jesus took the lead to the beach to prepare a picnic for himself and the disciples who are his family. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” (John 21:9-12) 

Some parents and families are too busy to make time for picnics, consequently, they miss the priceless and memorable atmosphere and scenery the beach provides even as a picnic is observed. Currently, there is a restriction on going to the beach and public places for parties and picnics. We are encouraged to take advantage of the bond and quality family time that picnics offer after the restriction is lifted. The stress of life can be overwhelming, a picnic is a stress reliever. Couples can take advantage of picnics to reignite the bond of intimacy and love in their relationship. One of the most beautiful places a couple or a family can observe a picnic is the Aburi Botanical Gardens in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Picnics must be intentional and planned. It is not prudent to spend the whole year in a stressful environment. Our homes and workplaces can be stressful environments, these are places we spend most of our lives. We sometimes need a break and a picnic for that matter. Attending funerals and weddings to eat and drink cannot be a replacement for picnics. A picnic is a combination of leisure, excursion, entertainment, relaxation, and merry making. May you have quality time with your family and create an opportunity to experience family unity and joy through picnics. Shalom.

PRAYER 

ALMIGHTY GOD HELP US TO APPRECIATE THE VALUE OF SPENDING QUALITY TIME WITH FAMILY THROUGH PICNICS, EVEN AS WE DINE TOGETHER MAY YOUR GRACE AND LOVE CONTINUE TO BE SHARED AMONG US.

Jean-Paul Agidi (Rev)

                                                         Today’s reflection summary in Ewe