Sabbath – Made for Me (and You)

“If you don’t take a Sabbath, something is wrong. You’re doing too much, you’re being too much in charge. You’ve got to quit, one day a week, and just watch what God is doing when you’re not doing anything.”

Eugene H. Peterson

This morning, I’m sitting in Starbucks.  I often use this time before church to write, to read, and to observe.  I treasure this time as it gives me an opportunity to pause – to collect myself for an hour or two.

Life has been moving at a blistering pace lately.  Leanne and I are leading an incredible marriage class at our church.  My mastermind group for men is gaining momentum as we get further into the semester.  Work has been consuming as we navigate through the performance evaluation process.  Last weekend, we visited Grove City College as Isaac moves closer to college.  This weekend, Hannah is home for fall break.  And I’m in the middle of getting my book ready for release.

In my reading time this morning, I read an article about hustle and balance by my friend, Ellory Wells.  In the article, Ellory explains why he is choosing hustle right now.  I get it!  I’m a hustler for sure.  BUT… I’m also convinced we need SABBATH.  We need rest from time to time.  We need the intentional moments and opportunities to connect with our God, our family, our friends, and even ourselves.

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. ⁹ Six days you shall labor and do all your work, ¹⁰ but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. ¹¹ For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”  Exodus 20:8-11

My Sunday morning Starbucks time is part of my SABBATH experience.

Today, I’ll go to church; I’ll have lunch with my family before Hannah heads back to Messiah College; I’ll probably take a nap in front of a football game; and I’ll catch my breath.

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”  Mark 2:27

Do you make time for SABBATH?  What does SABBATH mean to you?  How would your life be different if you really incorporated SABBATH into your life?  Share your thoughts in the comments.