Two Sundays ago I decided to do absolutely nothing.
I’ve always liked the idea of Sabbath — to dial down my chaotic life for 24 hours; to rest and relax; to honor God. But I assumed a Sabbath practice wasn’t in the cards, at least while I have young children.
After all, how can one rest amid the raucous beeps and blurps of Mario Bros. blaring from the Wii?
How can one relax when laundry bursts from the wicker hamper, sleeves and pant legs dangling like octopus tentacles?
Who has time to honor God when there’s a lasagna pan to scrub, two dozen socks to sort and a pile of Lincoln Logs to sweep from beneath the couch?
I figured Sabbath might be part of my life someday…just not now.
Lately, though, I’ve wondered: maybe the time of life that seems least conducive to honoring the Sabbath is, in fact, the most important time to do exactly that.
…Will you join me over at the Lincoln Journal Star for the rest of the story?
Hey Michelle, I did not leave a comment at the Lincoln Start but I wanted to let you know that I thought I was a wonderful article. You have the best Sabbath Rest of all. Count me in on the next game of Batttleship. I love that game!
It’s pretty fun, isn’t it? Rowan one that game by a hair, but I will challenge him to a rematch for sure…maybe this Sunday!
Hi Michelle…Love the way you wrote about your ‘Sabbath’. I do believe spending time with your children is very honouring to God; very honouring to Sabbath. Isn’t it wonderful to know that He knows our hearts, even when we choose our child over reading Scripture or praying on a Sunday. Loving our family well IS worship.
Say, just who is that character who commented in the Lincoln Journal Star??? He/she sounds rather bitter about something. And taking it out on you!
Oh yeah, we call him “Frankenstein” around here (because of his gravatar photo). He has commented on nearly every single column I’ve written for the Journal Star for the last three years…always negatively. It used to bother me, but I’ve since let it go (sort of).
I’m heading over Michelle, but first I wanted to tell you how lovely this new home. It is my first visit, and I just love it. It is so simple and elegant.
Praying for you dear friend, as you research and write.
Thank you lovely Linda – I am SO glad you came by! And I am so grateful for your prayers.
Thank you for a wonderful reminder… I am grateful for the Sabbath opportunities that I have now post-Air Force. But even in a more laid back ministry setting, I needed to hear this again.
Yeah, it’s kind of easy to get side-tracked, even in the midst of a regular Sabbath practice. I found myself wanting to cheat a little last Sunday and cut corners because I am so busy. I did put up the Christmas decorations – my kids convinced me it’s not work because it’s for “honoring Jesus’ birthday.” (they are wily, aren’t they?). But it sort of felt like work to me! 😉
Truly a beautiful reflection on what it means to honor the Sabbath, Michelle. So glad I popped over to the Lincoln Star to read this today. Blessings!
I’m glad you popped over there, too, Martha – and I’m always glad to see you here! xxoo
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