Sabbath Rest

Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God.

When my children were little, I looked forward to a simple Sunday afternoon ritual all week long. After church and a lunch of grilled cheese or PB and J, my husband would put the kids down for a nap, and I’d head to the local bookstore.

As soon as I walked through the heavy wooden doors, I was met with the sweet, rich smell of paper and coffee. After browsing a bit, perhaps picking up a book or magazine I might want to buy, I’d order a latte and settle myself at one of the café tables. After spending some time digging into my bookstore finds, I’d get out my weekly journal and jot down answers to a few questions: “What went well this week?” “What should I try differently next week?” and “What did God teach me this week?” My musings weren’t life changing, but they did help me decide what was effective and what wasn’t in my busy schedule as a working mom, as well as reminding me of the ways God had shown up in my life over the past seven days.

Celebrating the Sabbath, I’ve come to believe, doesn’t mean just going to church. It is an invitation from God to sit with Him and tarry a bit so that He can speak to our hearts and recharge our bodies. At other seasons in my life, I’ve done that by taking a walk around my neighborhood, soaking in a bathtub, or even trying out a new soup recipe. The setting is less important than acknowledging my need for rest, purposefully stepping away from unfinished chores, and opening my heart to God’s still, small voice.

Rest Assured

Father, thank You for designing the Sabbath so that my body gets the rest it needs and my soul has time to rest in You.

Rest in Him: Mark 2:23-27