Mark's Midweek Musings & Updates

We live hectic and busy lives that are so often governed by our schedules and appointments. I'd venture to say that many of us today, of all ages, over schedule ourselves. The result is we get tired, irritable and even feel the need to withdraw from time to time.That withdrawal can be seen as a time of sabbath rest for renewal and restoration.

It is too easy for us to say that sabbath as we have known it in the past has been taken from us especially now that Sunday is just another day. When the calendar had a built in sabbath day when work stopped and stores weren't open and there was a designated time to "be" it was a lot simpler to claim the time for sabbath. 

However, I think that there are still opportunities for the rest, reflection, renewal and restoration if we choose to create them and seek them out. It may not be the same day each week; it may not be in the middle of the summer; it may be a Wednesday evening; it may be during the spring or fall. The important thing is to claim for ourselves the need and the desire for the gift of time and the space to receive a renewed spirit.

We are encouraged as part of our spiritual rhythm to intentionally take such times of sabbath. Jesus modeled that when he himself went off on his own and when he encouraged his disciples to do the same. His outlook at those times was that the work that needs to be done will be accomplished; the ministry that needs to happen will be done; people's needs will be met. However, Jesus also knew that in order to be most helpful and resourceful to those who came to him, he himself needed to have experienced renewal himself.

Sabbath rest can take many forms depending on the situations and circumstances of our lives. Sabbath may be staying at home, sleeping as long and as often as you like; reading books you've wanted to but didn't have the time to; listening to music; playing games on the computer; enjoying the garden. These all can be sabbath moments of grace. Maybe it's about taking a walk on one of the trails in town; or going to a movie; or a concert at the Foster Memorial. It might involve taking a trip; going to a cottage; visiting a friend. 

I think there is much for us to learn about Sabbath from taking Sabbath. I hope that for myself and all of us that we can embrace the spirit of sabbath regularly as we incorporate it into our day and week. We need to always care for ourselves in order to be agents through whom God can work and minister as we faithfully serve Him, each other and the world around us.

The only way sabbath rest happens is when we are intentional and receive it as a gift without the guilt that might often come attached with it. Sabbath is a gift from God to be enjoyed in all of its fullest. So whether it's an hour, half a day, a full day, a week or a few weeks ... make that space for yourself to be renewed spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Then we will receive newness of life that enables us to be faithful.

As my time of sabbath is beginning, I hope that you too will make that time and space for yourself, to do what refreshes you and brings you the gift of new life.