Oliver Burkman in this article noted that the psychological benefits of engagement with nature are exceedingly well-established. He cites his previous article on this subject as it's health benefits are significant. (www.theguardian.com)
Moreover he says that in 2012 German researchers concluded that simply glimpsing a green rectangle for a couple of seconds can trigger greater creativity. He cites a study that demonstrated that people who moved from less to more green neighbourhoods, the mental health benefits lasted for at least three years and conversely the opposite effect.
Tractor and boat on Midge Point Beach
Clearly, the research is revealing something we've always intuitively known, that a visit to the sea side, a country path, random rural greenry, the so pleasant viewing of gum trees and the rest of it, provides for a deep yearning that essentially gives us an indefinable lift.
Moreover all this sounds terrific and we enjoy whatever view we can get from our homes and work places or wherever, but it's not all beer and skittles (as it were) as all to often, all we get is a pot plant, perhaps some lawn out a window and maybe, just maybe a tree or two.
The weekend experience therefore becomes more and more critical to all this well-being and for some, such as missionaries, they are usually so full-on in their mission activities there is hardly time available to smell the roses (as it were).
Laguna Quays Respite
The Laguna Quays Respite project was initiated in February 2011 whereby we made it available for fellow missionaries to take a break. The cottage has been used extensively for this purpose, in other words, they house sit for us (there is no charge). For those who fly to Proserpine, there is an AVIS rental vehicle for their use. It's been a joy in the Lord serve in this way.
Opened in June 2011 after several months of refurbishing the cottage, missionaries from SIM, CMS, WEC, SU, TEAR, BCS, UCA, YM, Wycliffe, BCA, MAF, AFES, CM, Global Interaction and independent missions have already enjoyed taking 'timeout'.
Laguna Quays Respite cottage
There is a beautiful onshore breeze day and night, a lovely view to Repulse Bay from the cottage and to the rear is the greenery of the Laguna Quays Resort and in the other direction the hills. It's remarkable.
Improvements
In the later part of last year some major improvements have been undertaken for the missionaries:
Car port set up as a bbq and entertainment area
Electricity to the car port
Stone steps replacing timber – front and back
Re-oiling the huge front veranda
Re painting the lounge, dining and kitchen
Coffee table on back porch with jug and cups
Stage 2 of concrete drive way completed
This is a gift unto the Lord to the missionaries. Missionary or pastor enquiries are welcome timeout@bushoprchestra.com or 0487 245 207
Bbq entertainment at Laguna Quays Respite
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He mentors young writers and has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html