A couple of days ago, I picked up a copy of the July 3, 2006 issue of USA Today. In it, there was an article regarding honoring the Sabbath. Specifically:
Sabbath-keeping is going to be a countercultural activity, one requiring commitment and creativity. A day of rest does not have to be a Saturday or a Sunday - impossible for pastors and many others - but it should be at least one day out of seven, and qualitatively different from the other six. The key is to break away from work patterns, whether that means hobbies, sports or artistic activities. (Sabbath is related to the Hebrew verb meaning "to cease, stop, interrupt.") "Spend more time with people in a friendly way, with meals (and) extended conversations, but no talk related to work," advises theologian Marva Dawn, author of Keeping the Sabbath Wholly: Ceasing, Resting, Embracing, Feasting. New York Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez rests by engaging in gardening; for a professional gardener, though, Sabbath-keeping might involve playing baseball.
My sister-in-law HG does a very good job of this. I really don't. I guess I'm one of the 24/7 people the author is appealing to in his article. The message is actually quite similar to a recent post on stress management in which that author advises putting down your burdens periodically so you can recharge. Easier said than done for me but something I certainly aspire to.
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This post is really interesting to me because, despite my desire to live in a simple manner, I've always thought that keeping the Sabbath day holy was a sacrifice on my part. After reading this post, though, I'm thinking that the day of rest is as much for me as it is for God. It is both a way to recharge via meditation, study, and prayer and a way to show obedience, respect, and love to God. love you.
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