We were driving down Lakeshore when I felt a gentle nudge inside. She had been talking about Sabbath and rest and my voice quickly, sharply responded with “That’s great for you and I’m glad you’re choosing Sabbath, but I just don’t have time for that.”
Nudge.
I ignored it though, clinging to my pride, my planner and my too long list of to-dos. I didn’t have time for Sabbath. I went about the rest of my day getting things done and checking boxes off, unaware that my short comment would replay itself until I finally dealt with my own too-busy self.
“I just don’t have time for that.” Lord, help me.
I’ve been convicted of my disobedience when it comes to Sabbath oh, every single time there’s a Sunday message dedicated to the topic. I squirm inside and wonder why I wrestle with feeling guilty but too tired to do anything about it.
Turns out you can know the commandment and that you should follow His lead, but ‘real life’ sweeps in and you’re caught in the current with no exit in sight. I wasn’t rested, wasn’t ready for a new week, and sure didn’t see an end to the raging rapids that I’d jumped into.
Last year I got a little crazy – probably the result of feeling more than a little guilty – and decided I’d try it just one time. One Sunday for the purpose of Sabbath.
Not Sunday because it’s the Lord’s day or because I’m already at church or even because “that’s what you’re supposed to pick.” Oh, no. Sunday because it was the easiest option. For me, Monday-Friday is craziness wrapped up in this thing called school and life. Saturday I knock out my homework and see friends or explore the city I call home. And Sunday… well, Sunday I go to church and chapter at night but the middle was wide open.
(Actually, that’s not true. It was full of homework and a bit of everything I had procrastinated on all week. But it was more open than any other day.)
Sunday it was.
Sunday it still is.
My favorite day of the week takes more work than you’d likely expect. I have to work hard at resting. But choosing Sabbath has changed everything. And yeah, I’ve really thought about that sentence and if it’s true.
It is. Choosing Sabbath has changed everything.
This is my challenge to you: One time. Try it one time. Not “toe in the water, kinda maybe I’ll give it a shot.” No, you’ve got to go full out Sabbath and see what I mean. It doesn’t have to be Sunday. Maybe for you Sabbath will look like a 4-hour block of time, not a full day. Just carve it out and stay true to your commitment.
What choosing Sabbath looks like for me and a few “pointers” to help you out:
1) Choosing Sabbath takes work. Yep, sometimes you’ve got to work to then rest. For me, choosing Sabbath sometimes looks like chasing Sabbath. It can mean writing it in my planner so I don’t schedule anything else. Choosing Sabbath means saying no to a lot of things so I can say yes to Him. Sometimes I have to chase down my hours throughout the week so that Sunday remains set aside and set apart.
2) Sabbath is not about a day of the week, it’s about the state of your heart. It doesn’t really matter if your Sabbath is Sunday, Tuesday, or Friday. If you’re resting and fully present in Sabbath – whenever it is for you – then that is good. (Not “good enough” because we’re not playing by those rules here. It is simply good, so good.)
3) Sabbath is not legalistic. Life happens and things come up. I work extra hard all week so I can spend Sunday resting, but if a friend calls me while I’m knocking out a few projects Saturday afternoon, I’m going to go be with my friend who needs me. Does that mean the project may move to Sunday? Yeah, it might. I do my best to leave the full day free, but not at the sake of ignoring those who love me and need me. Sabbath is a command to follow but viewing it as a rule that you can never break is not the goal here.
4) What exactly does Sabbath look like? For me, Sabbath is my day to rest in every way. It’s my free day, open to whatever sounds good and nice and lovely. I can take a nap or meet a friend for coffee. I can read a good book or watch a little Netflix or go for a long drive while singing along to worship music. I can pack a lunch and eat in the park or bike on the trail. It isn’t so much about being inactive as it is about being connected.
For me, Sabbath looks like slowing down. It’s a conscious choice to only open books that will let me breathe and a choice not to open apps or textbooks or emails that may drain me. Sabbath refuels me, replenishes me, and reignites the fire.
5) Sabbath means a day of rest (and that will look different for each of us) but it’s also a day to celebrate! Sabbath can mean silence but it can also mean community. When people want to meet up, I invite them to join me for a Sunday afternoon coffee or walk on the trail. It’s also my time to soak in God’s word, write a little for this space here, or write a short note to go in the mail. Dance parties happen on Sabbath, queso and chips happen on Sabbath, life happens on Sabbath. It’s a day to rest but it’s also a day to celebrate!
I thought the nudge inside as I drove down Lakeshore was due to my disobedience of keeping the Sabbath holy. Turns out it went deeper than that. I was so reliant and dependent on my own ability to get. things. done. that I never gave God the time He deserved.
Choosing Sabbath is choosing to trust that God’s got it.
Sabbath wasn’t made for us, we are made for it. He did not command us to perform or achieve but He did command us to rest, to walk in the unforced rhythms of grace.
Choose Sabbath. Chase it if you have to, but choose to slow because you know He’s got it all under control.
Your turn – What does Sabbath look like for you? It is challenging? Do you have to chase it down? And listen… even if you’ve never gone ‘full out Sabbath’ before, dream a little with me. What would that time be full of? Try it with me this week!
I really appreciate this post. As a result of studying the Life of Moses observing Sabbath has been very much on my heart and something I’ve been working towards the past few weeks. I too have made Sunday “they” day and it’s so much my favorite day of the week. But the points you listed provided good insights I need to remember. I particularly identified with preparing for Sabbath. Saturday has become my get things done day so I’m ready for Sunday. Blessings to you.
Yeah I’m with you Beth… if I don’t prepare, Sabbath won’t happen. I know I’ll look at a list and homework and projects and work on them even when I should be taking the time to rest. I’ll be thinking of you this next Sunday. :)
I loved reading this, Kaitlyn. I’m so glad to be visiting you here again. I am a huge procrastinator, which means Sundays (or any other day) are not very restful. I’m thinking I might have to follow your lead. :)
And I’m glad to have you back for a visit. :) Let me know if you try it out this week!
Such a great reminder today! I love that you remind us that Sabbath is not solemn (necessarily) but a beautiful, holy, celebration of life! Visiting from Coffee for Your Heart!
Absolutely. Rest and joy and celebration!
Yes, Yes! We were made for it! I love it Kaitlyn. Good sabbath words.
Ah I love seeing your face pop up over here! Thank you for visiting!
Thanks for putting this in a way that keeps it from becoming another thing to do! Sabbath is our undo time, and a lot of us are overdue to take it. I’m enticed rather than obligated, and you helped!
~Tammy
I loved your comment so much I shared it on my Facebook page… you’ve got it right there, our undo time that a lot of us are overdue for!
I’m right there with you! Though I’ve been a Christian since I was a little girl, I never practiced the Sabbath, until last year. The process was slow, but quickly the conviction became soul deep. Sabbath keeping is a command not to be ignored, but more than that it is an invitation to life!! God purposes to provide for all our needs and taking a day to rest is a crucial part of living in His perfect plan.
I love how you say it this way: ” It isn’t so much about being inactive as it is about being connected.” Yes! Pausing from the busyness of “life” to connect with the source, Life. Blessing to you as you continue to lean in, chase down, and soak up the gift of Sabbath.
Exactly. I never really practiced it but once I did, it all changed. Becky, what brought about practicing the Sabbath for you?
For me, Sabath begins on Saturdaynight by sunset. I try to prepare for the Sundaymorning service by pre-reading the biblechapter the pastor wil preach about. The Sunday it self i’ll go to the morning service and if i’m able, also to the afternoon service. Mostly i’ll read my book or draw or paint. That is my time to set my mind at rest and focus on God. Most of the time, this is the day i get inspired to write in my journal and reflect my week. But lately it does not work for me becuase i’m to busy in my head to focus on what realy matters, and i feel quilty and ashamed for neglecting God in that way. But from now on, i will take that challenge with you and take my Sabath and give the control back to God. Thank you so much for sharing and pointing out to me what i was doing wrong. God bless you.
I think that’s a great idea – reading the chapter before the Sunday service! Drawing, reading and painting all sound lovely as well. Ya know, I don’t know that it’s so much about what we’re doing wrong but that it’s much more about our heart. Keep turning back to Him, little by little.
How awesome and what beautiful words you share to help us FIND the Sabbath…whatever, wherever, whenever it may be! I agree with Erin S. – I am terrible at Sabbath; but I love how Sarah Jo just puts “Sabbath” on her to-do list (or calendar) and waits for God’s lead as she prays about His providing that day! Being retired, it would seem an easy task to find that one day to seek (and find) Sabbath; and I guess I just need to be more intentional about seeking and PRAYING to find it!
Thanks for sharing, Kaitlyn!!
Actually, sometimes I think it’s harder to choose Sabbath when everything is wide open on your calendar. Over the recent break from school I had to be very intentional because I’d use my hours doing other random things. I get it. :)
Yes, this was a hard lesson for me to learn too.
Keep at it, Debi! :)
I am one who has struggles with Sabbath. I begin with resting and suddenly I am “doing” the things that I could do Monday or Tuesday. This post is filled with words that I need to ponder and reread. Thank you so much for sharing your heart and talk with God.
Visiting from Holly’s.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
I think that’s a common struggle for so many, Linda. I’ve found that I may turn to ‘things to do’ because I’m worried I’ll forget them later. Try keeping a piece of paper and pen handy and scribbling down what you need to do Monday or Tuesday so you don’t forget, and then you can focus more on Sabbath.
Can’t say words that will match up to how much I love/agree with this post. Sabbath on, friend.
“Sabbath on” is my new favorite.
I started seeking Sabbath last year, but didn’t really feel like it was possible. So I prayed about it, and studied about it, and noticed that God calls it something good and that it’s for our benefit, so I decided to trust that He would make it possible. I put “Sabbath” on my weekly to-do list, but don’t write a day next to it, and then I keep my eyes and heart open. He’s faithful to provide a day of rest each week, as long as I’m looking for it – it’s not the same day every week, but it happens and for that I’m grateful.
That is just the neatest. Love your practical idea here!
I, for one, am terrible at Sabbath. As busy as I am, I also find myself wasting a lot of time doing things that don’t fill me up. I am trying to be more intentional about how I spend my time and my energy. God does have it under control.
Kaitlyn, you have given me a new meaning for my daily Sabbath’s in this wonderful fifth season of my life. I wish I had learned this earlier and sorted out all the meaningless things that I felt were necessary when my children were growing up. Hopefully they have learned from my mistakes. It looks like they have since you are my GRANDdaughter and have enlightened me by writing this. I love you, Mama Boo
Will be thinking of you this Sunday, Erin. Give Sabbath a try. :)