Reclaiming Sabbath

I actually managed to take a few days off in mid-August. From the 11th to the 13th, we decided to hop in the car and go on a trip to Newport, RI. It was beautiful! The glory of God's creation filled our senses and our spirits, reminding us of what we miss each day. That 48-hour soul-break made what we had to do on our return far more manageable.

We all need such time-outs from the press of daily life. It's called Sabbath-time, and it's described right at the beginning of the Bible. God worked six days and took a break on the seventh. God created the daytime for working and the nighttime for resting.

At every turn, though, our 24/7 society shows its contempt for the whole idea of Sabbath. We pride ourselves on how little sleep we need. Our stores stay open all night and we work longer and longer days. Weekends have become just as busy as weekdays. Even our kids keep running from one activity to another. Who needs caffeine? We're all hyped up on life!

If Sabbath is just another thing to add to our ever-growing list of stuff to do, then we can forget it. We don't need more guilt about something else we should be doing. Sabbath is something very different, a "rendezvous with God," says Ray Waddle, "an act of soul repair and joy."

And it's doable. It takes intention and follow-through, but soon what was a push to begin becomes something we yearn for. Starting small helps. Take a five-minute break to focus on God. Rest. Pray. Sleep. Just stop! Before long, you'll find ways to take more time to refill your soul. We may even find that the world can get along without us for a while. As Lynne Baab writes, "The Sabbath is a day to let go of perfectionism and let God run the universe."

Here are some ideas to start keeping Sabbath:

  • Reflect on an inspirational reading.
  • Take a guilt-free nap.
  • Light a Sabbath candle.
  • Have a conversation with God.
  • Be silent and listen for a few minutes — or more.
  • Call someone you love.
  • Do something good for your body.
  • Turn off your cell phone.
  • Prepare a meal.
  • Take a slow walk to nowhere in particular.
  • Go to the beach, put down your book, and soak it all in.

Knowing our congregation, you'll have your own ideas for Sabbath. I'd be very interested to hear what works for you.

As we fire up into fall, it would be a good time to set a goal of getting some regular Sabbath-time. Your body will thank you. Your soul will thank you. Your family will thank you. And you'll do everything you need to do from a much more centered place.

— Pastor Roy

P.S. Click the picture or link below to read the full edition of The Beacon. 

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