Italian Gardens, Sleep & Rest

I am officially become an old man.

Last week, I visited the Italian gardens at Saltburn by the Sea, and fell asleep on a bench. The sun shone, the flowers swayed, the birds sung. Even my companions’ chatter did not thwart my snooze.

Apart from occasions of sheer exhaustion, we generally sleep when we are at peace and feel safe. As my eyes closed and the birdsong worked its mesmeric magic, I drifted into happy oblivion. Elsewhere in the park, on a rather unlikely-looking industrial sculpture, a quote from the book of Revelation was inscribed, listing the foundations of New Jerusalem. Whatever life’s hurdles and obstacles, newsflashes and explosions, the Christian can rest easy and sleep readily. Here, Christ is with Him, always. And when he dies, he is with Christ, for ever.