Have you noticed?

We have lost our normal sense of time.

We have lost our beginning and end of the day.

Our time begins to blur…

Our senses have been profoundly affected

This is the effect of Covid time.

How do we find sabbath in our homes when we never leave it? Sabbath does not call us to ignore the dark times in our lives in fact it calls for more. Sabbath has been an important part of God’s people.

Recently, I attended an online session about Kairos time. The presenter had us watch a clip from the musical Fiddler on the Roof. It was the scene with the  Anatevka Sabbath Prayer. This is a show that I know well. I played Golde the Mother on stage.

But it was like I was seeing it for the first time. It moved me to tears. The waving of the hands over the candle, the gathering of family and friends…the singing around the table WITHOUT MASKS! The history of God’s faithful people. So many of my senses were touched again. It reminded me that our senses have been dulled in the last year.

What worked for us before covid time

may never work the same after covid time.

the stress from covid time is so loud…

• Just like we move the furniture around in our home for a new look we may need to revamp what our Sabbath at home looks like.
• Perhaps a thicker more sensory experience will help us?
• One that walks through our senses?
• What are your Sabbath practices? 

Please know this is a judgment free zone. Perhaps for your sabbath you sleep in an extra hour? Or go on a walk with nature?  Read a book in your favorite chair in a room filled with sunshine?

All I know is that in the past year, our Sabbath has been shaken. Taking time for intentional Sabbath each day, five to ten minutes can help center us again.

As I write this I am sitting in my favorite chair watching the sun melt the snow in our yard. It is perfect~ I see signs of new life underneath. My prayer for you this week is that you find a way to Unplug, Connect with God and  actively rest.

Prayer

We thank you, Lord, for this rhythm of rest in our life of work. We hear your heart- beat when we are quiet and we listen. [A period of silence is kept] We pray these things in the name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God.

Suggestions on how to Unplug,
Connect with God and Actively Rest

Unplug during your Sabbath:

• Leave your smartphone on your nightstand or equivalent
• Listen to music, not the TV
• Skip email
• Resolve to spend a whole day unplugged each week
• Make Facebook notifications and social media WAIT
• To Connect with God
• Go to church online or in person
• Read the Bible.
• Fill your home with worship music.
• Sit quietly for a bit, in the spirit of Psalm 46:10, and praying.
• Talk with your family about what God has done!
• Read Bible stories to your children.
• Write in a journal.
• Read a book the compels you towards Christ
• Watch a sunrise

To Actively Rest

• Take a nap
• Lay on the couch
• Drink hot tea
• Take a bath
• Light a candle