Ignoring the warning sign that speed kills, further down the motorway the carnage of a high speed crash was a shocking reminder to those caught up in the tragedy and to passing motorists. One Minute Bedtime Stories might appeal at first glance but when thought about is a tragic illustration of a time driven, relationally impoverished and reflectively devoid way for living that pervades so much of western consumer culture. Busyness characterises so much of contemporary life and sadly Christians and our church sub-cultures often reflect more the spirit of the age rather than the values of God’s kingdom. Consumerist values of speed, targets and key performance indicators contribute to driven, not led lifestyles where pace and pressure override peace and poise. In a culture where what we are seen to do or have is valued more than who we are, where noise drowns out silence we strain to hear Jesus’ words, Come unto me and rest. (more…)