Here I am late on a Sunday night writing my blog. But, better late than never! As I expected, writing and taking Sabbath time this week was more of a challenge since I started class. But, I still took time in the morning to walk my dog, listen to my Sabbath podcast, and listen to an inspiring book about two men who were raised in a church and became lifelong friends. It was a really awesome book about their journey through Spain. (If you're looking for something uplifting to read, I encourage you to read "I'll Push You" by Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray.)
This week, the podcast focused a lot on work. What is work that can be done on the Sabbath and what can't. I love how they put it. Work like going and getting the candy on Halloween is what you can't do. Sorting the candy is work you can do. Work that isn't really hard work but is more "fun work" is ok. That helped me figure things out a bit, but I'm still not sure what to do during all of my Sabbath time. I'm beginning to see why there were so many rules about what to do- or not do- during the Sabbath. It would be helpful to be able to look at a list and think "oh this is what I can do tomorrow during my Sabbath time!" So, before I looked at all of the rules as constrictive, but now I'm looking at them a little differently. I'm not going to start following the Jewish laws. But, I'm thinking I might start formulating some Sabbath laws of my own. I'm still figuring out what that would look like. But, I feel like a list of things I can do during that time would be helpful, too. Once I figure out what kinds of things should be on the list, that's a strong possibility it will happen.
I struggled with my Thursday time. I was tired when I got home and really felt too braindead to write a blog that would make much sense. I knew listening to anything constructive wouldn't set in either. I ended up just watching tv and going to bed. So, not much of a spiritual Sabbath time. But, I did rest and settle in. So, I suppose there are worse things.
This morning I got to worship at church. This is my weekend to be home on Sunday morning. It's easier to worship in person. But, I think having designated Sabbath time is even more important on the weekends I don't get to worship in person. The intentional practice is another reminder of how important it is to worship regularly whether in person or online.
I'm three weeks in to this study and I'm finding myself more aware of taking time, whether people call it Sabbath or a pause or something else. The book I was reading talked about Sabbath as a way of life, of being intentional and living in the moment, being present for the people we love and for God. I don't necessarily agree that that's the purpose of the Sabbath, but I think it's a good way to be. I can't remember where I heard someone talking about "taking a pause", but it was something in mainstream media I was listening to and the intent was to take some time to think, to regroup, and to rest. That sounds a little like Sabbath time to me.
One of my biggest struggles, if not my biggest struggle, is slowing down, taking a pause, just being. When I'm not doing something, I think I should be doing something. In fact, I can't just take Sabbath time! I have to study it and write about it to motivate myself to do it and feel like it's ok. Realistically, I know it's what I'm supposed to do. But, my brain tries to get me to think otherwise. I wonder how that started. How many people really observe the Sabbath? It's probably the least observed of the ten commandments. I mean, everyone has probably told a lie. But, if a person is caught in a lie, typically that person feels guilty. If someone came up to you and said "did you observe Sabbath time this week?" If the answer is no, would you feel the same as if caught in a lie? I know for me, that's been the case. But, looking deeper into this, I need to rethink my attitude. This week, I think the podcast is going to talk more about the ten commandments and Moses. I'm curious to hear about how the Sabbath should be fitting into our observance of the ten commandments.
I'd love to hear from others about how they observe the Sabbath. Feel free to leave a comment here!
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