The Beautiful Art of Sabbath
The Beautiful Art of Sabbath
It was a few years back I realized that I was driving my life like a professional car racer out on the tracks. I was speeding through life, over committed, and never slowing down. Usually pure exhaustion and illness was what it took for me to slow down. I didn’t want to live my life like that anymore. It was then that God encouraged me to begin the Spiritual discipline of Sabbath. A great pastor in my local area introduced me to the book “The Spirit of The Disciplines.” From Dallas Willard. It speaks on so many topics, but I enjoyed the part about sabbath, silence and solitude.
We are human and we can get weary especially after stressful weeks of work, busy seasons and even after challenging situations. Even Jesus got tired and weary. He set time aside to rest.
“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Genesis 2:2. There was times Jesus went away to be alone from all his work, healing and miracles to spend time with God and to rest.
What happens if we don’t take time to sabbath, rest, and recharge?
We become weary physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
We are more likely to be short tempered, irritable, and less patient with those we care about. It can also lead to illness, lower immune system, and health issues. The mind and body cannot think as precise nor handle difficult or stressful situations. If we are weary and tired, we become an open door for the evil one to tempt us with our actions, tongue, thoughts and behaviors.
Personally, I love taking a day of Sabbath and rest on Saturday’s. I enjoy the extra time to sleep, being in God’s creation either hiking, on a road trip just spending time on the patio. Recently, I have been incorporating more art, crafts and creativity into my practice. I enjoy time in community with friends and family.
I used to get hung up on the picking of a day but I believe it’s not the day of the week it’s the practice and discipline. It is the purposeful time to rest, slow down, unplug from the noise and recharge. Doing the pleasures and activities that fill you back up mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.
What day of the week would be best for you and your family to sabbath?
Evaluate your schedule, situation, and even your family. Put it on your calendar and begin practicing Sabbath. Write out a list of what brings you fulfillment, rest, and true joy. On your next day of Sabbath/rest day, pull out that list as a reminder of what you love to do and do it.
Bible Verses: Matthew 11:28-30, Exodus 20:8-10, Mark 2:27
Blessings,
Lisa Hice
