When was the last time you took a break? When was the last time you took an entire day of rest? I know, there's just so much to do. Rest is overrated. Rest is looked down upon. Rest is countercultural. Rest is necessary. A lot of people don't know (or just ignore), but the observation of the Sabbath is actually one of the Ten Commandments. Reclaim Today has some helpful tips for how to enjoy the Sabbath.
The Sabbath Doesn't Have to Be Sunday
Jews living under Levitical Law actually celebrated the Sabbath on Saturday. If you work on the weekend, your Sabbath might actually be Tuesday. In my house, the Sabbath is Saturday because my husband has classes on Sunday nights. It doesn't matter when you take your Sabbath, just that you do.
Take a Break from Things that Bring You Stress
The news, social media, the pile of dishes in the kitchen... If it brings you stress, make a commitment to spend a full day free from those things.
Do Things That Bring You Delight
God has blessed us with a world of natural beauty as a gift. And here in Putnam County Florida, you could argue we are more blessed in that aspect than others. Enjoy the beautiful St. Johns River. Dust off a hobby you've lost the time for. God has gifted us this time to spend with the people we love doing things we enjoy.
Rest
God has given us natural limitations for a reason. Take advantage of it. Enjoy slowing down. Enjoy the opportunity to restore and refresh your body and your spirit. Even Jesus had need for rest. At least one time in scripture, He took a nap. If the Savior of the World can find time to recharge His batteries, you can too.
Draw Near to God
Let's be honest, when we make our to do lists throughout the week, time with God is probably not on there, or gets edged off when something else comes up. God knows we're busy. So He created an entire day devoted to rest and spending time with Him. When God sanctified the Sabbath, He said to keep it holy. Dust off your Bible, spend some extra time in prayer. According to Reclaim Today, "All of our Sabbath activities should be completed in celebration and reverence of [God's] love and his goodness."
By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it He rested from all the work of creating that He had done. -Genesis 2: 2&3