Sabbath Rest

Okay, some of you will be rolling your eyes.  If I had read this post title when I was younger, I would have expected another “sermon” on the rules of Sabbath.  Hold on and stay with me for a couple minutes, please.

In our house when I was growing up, Sunday wasn’t called Sabbath, but “the day of rest.”  In many ways I hated Sundays because of the extra conditions it came with.  I only recognized the rules that prohibited me from doing some of the things I enjoyed.  I didn’t see the benefits my parents drew from its observance; I was just a kid.

“Sunday” was a loaded word.

It came with the dreaded bath on Saturday night (whether or not I thought I needed it).  And with long, thick hair, I anticipated a fair share of torture in the shampooing process.  Clothes were chosen the night before.  They included a pretty but uncomfortable dress, fancy shoes with slippery socks that slipped down under my heels when I walked, and a little purse that had to carry a handkerchief and my “offering” quarter.  It was all about our “best for God.”

As an adult I quickly dropped all the rules I’d learned about keeping the Sabbath.

Going to church has always been a priority, but Sunday became the day for me to do what I wanted.  But more often it was a day to catch up on the work I’d not accomplished and prepare for the work week ahead.

In the last few years God has been wooing me back to my roots in the Sabbath.

The process began with realizing I shouldn’t sew for my customers on Sunday.  I then began to avoid as many household chores as possible, trying to get them done throughout the week.  I’m now trying to prepare for Sunday, rather than using Sunday to prepare for the week to come. 

It’s just what Momma did; what a smart lady she was!

Just a couple of weeks ago I was resting in my recliner on a Sunday afternoon.  I wasn’t sleepy, as much as I wanted to take a nap.  But, I was restless.  What could I be doing wrong?  I asked God why I felt the way I did.  He reminded me that resting on Sunday was not just about being physically still.  He began taking me to another level on this journey by encouraging me to rest my mind.  Instead of mentally running through my appointments and responsibilities for the week to come, planning meals around our busy schedule, and making sure I had all my ducks in a row, I realized I need to stop my brain from working so hard and let my soul have some time off.

The concept was so freeing!

I could do both:  take a break to be still both physically and mentally.   (Face palm moment)

Thank You, Father, for gifting us with the Sabbath.  Thank You for creating us in such a way that we need to take breaks.  Thank You for teaching us how.

When the light bulb went on I was so excited.  I confessed to myself that I “get to” disembark from the speeding train of my crazy-busy life.  And for me personally, that means disconnecting from social media and my email.

The young Becky saw Sundays as those days I couldn’t do what I wanted to do.  I now see them as weekly opportunities when I’m free to choose how I want to relax.  Don’t get me wrong or this will come off as self-serving.  It’s all about recognizing God’s authority over my life and submitting to His principles.  By obeying Him I follow the better path.

“Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” – Psalm 116:7 (NIV)

GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME!

Are you interested in an easy treat that isn’t sugary?  Check out my recipe for Homemade Soft Cheese.  It’s very versatile as you can eat it plain or add your favorite herbs.  For those of us low-carbers, it’s yummy on slices of cucumber, or with a few fresh berries!

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