Genesis 2:2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
As a child, Sunday afternoons were for meandering drives on roads never before taken. I well remember our mini car adventures after a morning of church and a good lunch. We’d travel through parts of Franklin and Adams county never before seen by us. All stores and restaurants were closed and the whole of our little world seemed to be on pause. Sundays were meant for family fun and all work was put aside. Even chores like lawn mowing and laundry were delayed until another day.
In the 50ish years since those days, Sundays have evolved quite a bit! Children’s sports activities now pervade, and for many of us, Sundays are a chance to catch up on housework or errands neglected during the week. For me as a teacher, Sunday afternoons and evenings were my designated time to catch up on grading and to plan for the coming week. For you, Sunday may
be part of your formal work week! What has happened to our Sabbath? To our day of rest? Culturally, we have lost it.
Though we are no longer legalistic about its enforcement, we cannot deny that God deems rest important. In his earthly ministry, how often did Jesus pause and leave the group for solitude and to pray? I think we miss out on an elemental part of spiritual well-being when we don’t intentionally and regularly put ourselves in timeout.
Last night, while taking out the trash, I was overcome with awe by the beauty of the night. The sky was perfectly clear, the air crisp, and the moon almost full. The silvery landscape glittered at times in the moon’s illumination. I put my evening chores on pause to sit and enjoy nature’s beauty – a Sabbath moment that left me feeling refreshed and smiling. We need these restful moments, both planned and spontaneous.
Dear Lord, may we intentionally carve out segments of our day and week to silently meditate – to honor the need you created within us to rest. May we “still” our bodies and minds to more fully enjoy your presence.
May you enjoy many Sabbath moments this week!
Diana
Recent Comments