To Our Readers

Cyril Rakhmanoff

You could see the fire roaring through the little metal door that the engineer would open periodically to throw in some coal. There was also the white steam that was let out at some intervals, making the whole train station disappear in a white cloud. The steam engine stood there, huge and imposing. It was like magic. Especially for a nine-year-old boy on his first day of summer vacation. In a few moments the train would be set in motion, and the colorful fields, dark forests, and imposing mountains would whiz by in swift succession.

I had dreamt of this moment for weeks. But as we had approached this much-desired departure date, tension had set in. There had been thousands of things to accomplish. And finally, it was a mad dash to the train station.

The vacation scenario of ups and downs, of expectation and anxiety was marvelously captured by French filmmaker Jacques Tati in his film, Mrs. Hulot's Holiday, where he portrays vacation time as nothing but excitement, frustration, multiple plans, and constant mishaps.

We may be amused at the awkward situations that can arise from frantic preparations. But, as we pack and plan for some time off, we can ask ourselves, "How much am I seeing of the life that is the outcome of God's wisdom and love, of the life that is the constant unfoldment of God's unending goodness?"

In her article, "Vacation time? Pack some prayers," Rosalie Dunbar points out that it is always a good time to turn to God in prayer. And this brings harmony and healing. Unfailingly.

Cyril Rakhmanoff Associate Editor

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