Sabbath Keeping

After a busy weekend of planning meetings for a conference, my friend listened to me admit that I found myself getting a bit more uptight than I used to be. Her question almost startled me - "When was the last time you had a holiday?" As I sat there, she said "If it's taking that long to remember, it's time for one." Then she asked me about when my Sabbath was.

In a few sentences she had pinpointed something critical. It was a clear reminder that God made that Sabbath commandment for our benefit as much as for reverence of our Creator. My feeling pulled in too many directions, my over-committed schedule and subsequently feeling a bit frazzled and wound up rather than patient and kind were clear symptoms of my lack of honouring Sabbath. I made excuses saying that I had most of Saturday off and a good chunk of Sunday. Not good enough, she said. I needed a day a week where it was about me - feeding my soul, doing what I love unplugged from the demands of ministry and work, and being with God. She was also quick to admit that she was not stellar at this herself.

Our culture certainly does not support a day away from work. And yet I recently saw a video clip where the person said that they could accomplish far more in 6 days than they could in 7 with no break to recharge their batteries. European countries have a shorter work week than we do and report better productivity from employees. How amazing that God put a plan in place for this thousands of years ago, knowing us better than we know ourselves.

So, how do we make this a feature of our lives and not feel guilt about doing it or not? I'm certainly no expert, but for our own health and longevity, not to mention our ability to serve others and live out our calling, we need to take it seriously. 

1. Take stock of how you're living right now. Look at your day timer or equivalent. When was the last time you had a day all to yourself when you got to set the agenda - to catch up with little tasks, rest, and do things you enjoy? If this isn't happening, what barriers are stopping you? 

2. When you have your list of barriers (yourself included) consider them one by one. If family responsibilities are an issue, how could you arrange for childcare or something else that would allow you even half a day a week without interruption to experience God's refilling of your soul? If it's your own attitudes around needing to be available and working 24/7, dig a little deeper as to where that comes from. If the expectations are from your congregation or work, consider how you can ask for what you need showing the benefit to them as well as you.

3. Change won't happen unless you recognize the need for it. Clearly define the impact of not taking time to yourself. Ask those close to you if they notice when you haven't had time off to restore yourself. Sometimes we are oblivious to how our weariness impacts those closest to us. Spend time listening to God and asking what God wants for you in terms of Sabbath.

4. If you've been successful at carving out Sabbath, think about whether you're in a rut or if what you are doing is still fulfilling and helping you to connect with your soul and needs. Is your Sabbath time something you look forward to, or something you just know you have to do? If it isn't appealing, what would make it exciting and enjoyable? Consider finding a spiritual director if you are struggling with this.

5. Once you dedicate time for Sabbath, guard it. Explain to family, friends and those you serve and work with that this time enables you to love them better and do better work. Turn off your phone, if possible, and ignore the temptation to do 'just a bit of work'. It can wait. Set firm boundaries so that you can benefit as much as possible from this investment in yourself and God. 

Accept the gift that God offers - to spend time unplugged from the complications of life and the demands of work and ministry. Accept that God wants nothing more than to spend time with you and to nourish and nurture you. Because you are worth it. If you struggle with this, don't feel guilt. Just do your best and remember God will love you regardless.