Since my New Year’s resolution to Sabbath more intentionally, I’ve been mulling over what this looks like for me. Â I want Sabbath to be special and distinct from the rest of the week, a day set apart from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. Â Sunday used to be my last-ditch chance to cross as much as possible off my to-do list before returning to the busy-ness of work on Monday, but I’m making an effort to change that, to wrap up errands and chores and running around on Saturday, so that I can truly spend Sunday as a day set apart. Â A day for pause and rest and reflection. And although it’s tempting to find this rest in the form of a lazy chick flick marathon, I’m digging deeper. Â Today, Sabbath was a long walk along the waterfront, during which I prayed for dozens of friends and family members and coworkers as their names were laid upon my heart. Â It was an hour spent warming up at a neighborhood cafe, reveling in the joy of coffee and books and free time. Â It was a phone call to my parents to see how their week was. Â It was quality time with Shane, cooking and eating and napping together (Lord knows, it just wouldn’t be Sabbath without a nap). Â And in the midst of all these good, life-giving things, I’m striving for a spirit of reverence and gratitude. Â That’s the crux, because in the end, Sabbath really isn’t about being rested and refreshed – it’s about handing ourselves over to God and giving Him our undivided attention. Â And when I slow down to open my eyes wider and seek Him out, He can be found around every corner.
