Discover Rejuvenated Spirits
On a normal Sunday morning, I hustled down the stairs to get going on my day. Rounding the corner, I glanced at the figure splayed out on the kitchen floor. Panic threatened to invade as I took a double-take to determine the reason for my husband’s current position.
“Did you fall, or is something broken?”
“The dishwasher is leaking.” Came his retort.
Ugh, it is always something. One more thing to fit in, not only the repair but all the dishes that pile up in the interlude. Thankfully, it is an appliance and not my husband!
Life is a balancing act. Each morning, I check my calendar, and my mind becomes cluttered with all the tasks I need to do. It never seems to end; I can’t possibly take time to rest or recreate. During the smallest break, pressure pushes in. Groceries, laundry, work, appointments, relationships, oh, and ministry, the list continues to crowd in, eating up my time. If I sit down, I will be behind. Sigh, God will understand, He will wait, maybe tomorrow I will have time, but tomorrow plays out like today.
If your life is anything like mine, it can be frenetic. We go, go, go, running from one activity to the next, leaving us little chance to catch our breath. Of course, there are times when we can’t help it. The question is, do we allow this fast-paced world to crowd out our times of rest? Not only recreational rest but Sabbath rest. Ah, just writing the word brings peace to the deepest part of me, but also angst because it is so hard to take the time. But that’s exactly what we need to do – capture the time to replenish our souls.
Look what Jesus told His disciples in Mark 6:31 “Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.” People were pushing in on all sides, crying out for his attention. This is when Jesus taught and fed the 5000; later, He went for a stroll on the water just to get away. Now that is dedication to rest, like Jesus, we may need to go to great lengths to ensure we rest and recreate our souls.
It isn’t about stopping everything, it is about restoring ourselves to continue his good work. For the record, my track record is not good. I don’t sit well. I reached for my phone, my hand hovering over it. No, whatever made it chime can wait. With determination, I pulled away, wrestling with the concern that it could be important. It is time to learn intentionality in this process.
I now have a predetermined time set aside for quiet that I don’t allow others to interrupt. First thing in the morning and again at lunchtime.
In a culture where needs are easily met, we have time to rest. As we reprioritize our time, make a part of the plan rest. We all know God commanded us to rest on the 7th day, however, few of us do it. The Sabbath was introduced to the Jews in the 4th Commandment, found in the book of Exodus. Scripture reminds us to keep it holy – set apart.
Over the years, many rules and regulations have become associated with this term. That is not the Sabbath I am talking about. To me, Sabbath is that place where you can “be” and no longer must go. The word Sabbatical may be more familiar. It is a word that fits this idea of Sabbath. According to Webster’s New World Dictionary, sabbatical means “of or suited to the Sabbath, bringing a period of rest that occurs in regular cycles.” This is our time to be rejuvenated. We are refueled so that we can “go” and do.
The American mindset cripples us. Although living in the USA is a privilege, the breakneck speed at which we live is dangerous. Striving for the American Dream drives us, and that’s not enjoyable. There is always something on our to-do lists. Our days off become crammed with appointments, errands, and home upkeep. We already know we aren’t what we do; let’s determine to live this way. Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and sit with Jesus for a moment or two. You will be glad you did.
