Sabbath Ponderings

Sabbath rest is a valuable gift from God. God rested on the seventh day of creation and if this is a good plan for the Creator, shouldn't it be a good plan for creation? Plant life experiences periods of dormancy before bursting with new growth in the spring. Doesn't a Sunday afternoon nap make you awaken restored and renewed? I'm thinking Sabbath has become a lost art.

     For so many of us, our time off from work has become a mad rush to get things done. For me, days off frequently become days full of grocery shopping, house cleaning, laundry washing, project finishing, and yes, even catching up on work that did not get done during regular working hours. My family has learned that when I walk through the door with the 'brown bag' I'll be exploring something church related while they watch television or do other things.

     In ministry, the lines are really blurred. Our call is to serve our community of faith in all spiritual matters. Illnesses, deaths, surgeries and family crisis' almost never occur during business hours. Sometimes we find ourselves in conversations that are completely un-religion related, but ultimately a spiritual need is revealed. The person in need may not even be aware of the need.

     Modern technology has also made things unclear. We can have at any time and in any place, instant information from a variety of sources. Email, texting, Facebook, twitter–all at our fingertips and unplugged. And for myself, (and I believe Jeff would agree), our vocation is such a joy it does not often feel like work. This is a true gift! I hope each of you can experience this feeling in your chosen vocations.

     Biblically, Sabbath was also a day for worship. For those in ministry, worship is also work. While pretty much the entire working world rarely takes true time off when they are not at work–there are those things that have to be done–the yard needs mowed, the laundry needs done, occasionally the dust will overtake us if we don't take down a few layers. Some see shopping as a fun way to spend spare time, but not for me…for me shopping is a drudge, but it does need to be done–whether to clothe us or feed us. 

     The point is, I do not think many people today really know the true meaning of Sabbath rest. I'm not certain I've had this experience myself. I do know following a few marathon holidays or busy church seasons, I needed it, as well as all the others who work so hard to bring together such events in the life of the church. I'm sure that following the summer busyness we'll need to explore this concept further. 

     I'm thinking that working to make room for rest is good for each of us, good for the church and good for our relationships–with God and with one another. Instead of meeting up with friends and sharing the litany of all the things we got accomplished in our time off, maybe we should start sharing the wonderful ways in which we encountered rest and communed with God. I'm thinking we'll all live a little longer if we can find some sort of work/rest rhythm for our lives. 

     I'm also thinking I have my work cut out for me on this one. What do you think about your own abilities to find rest?

Blessings,
Tracy