 Here’s the thought I keep having… What if we're doing what God has made us to do in this season? BUT, what if we're not doing it exactly the way He would want us to do it? I think it's possible that we could be running in just the right lane for us and embracing the place God has us in, all the while not honoring the rest our body, mind and soul need. We're doing the right thing in the wrong way. Instead of overflowing, we're pouring out of an empty cup. So, how do we recover rest? How do we "Sabbath" while we're running full force toward our calling into a busy season? In my search for answers, I’ve been sitting with Hebrews 4. “Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.” And this quote from Jess Connolly, “You can’t obey God by disobeying God.” It’s clear we’re all called by God to rest, or “Sabbath” (If you don’t know what Sabbath is, this is a great article). As Jesus followers, the New Testament application of Sabbath isn’t wrapped around the legalism of keeping the rule of honoring a day of rest. It doesn’t imply idleness. It’s wrapped around spiritual rest in Christ. The access we have to heavenly fruit after sowing earthly seeds. It’s a cease all for striving and performing. John Mark Comer says, “The Sabbath is a 24-hour time period set aside to stop, rest, delight, and worship. It is the best day of the week. In our era of chronic exhaustion, emotional unhealth, and spiritual stagnation, few things are more necessary than the recovery of this ancient practice.” On social media yesterday, I ask you all to weigh in on this question. Here’s what you had to say: “We do chores and prep before our rest day. So that, on that day, we’re truly resting.” -Kristin D. “I try to always remember Jesus saying, "Sabbath was made for man, not man for Sabbath." Jesus still "worked" and performed miracles for the Glory of God. God will understand when your rest & focus is in Him, even if it doesn't look like rest to the rest of the world. Don't let anyone rob you of that peace.” -Ann R. “I always try to rest on Sunday, regardless of anything going on in our lives. We attend church, maybe take the kids to the park or out, lunch and family nap, then hang out as a family. I don't do laundry or cleaning (tidy as we go, obviously) or anything else unless it's urgent. This helps me rest and prepare for another busy week ahead.” -Marina K. “Jesus Christ IS my rest in all seasons. But on Sundays my main commitment is to do no “for profit” work. Which allows me to do a little yard work, etc. if needed but I mainly focus on family and church.” -Jonathan H. “I keep myself focused on church and family on Sundays.”-Jess P. “I’ve learned that Sabbath is more than just “rest” the way I always perceived it. Sometimes the most restful thing I can do is delight in something that God gave me the desire to enjoy (I.e. going for a walk and enjoying his creation, going to a ball game, etc.)” -Stuart R.  Here’s what “Sabbath” and rest in this busy season for our family has looked like lately: It’s breaking from gardening to gather around the kitchen island to savor fresh cucumbers with creamy ranch. It’s putting down the toys to snuggle in my bed to read books. It’s no phones and all focus around the dinner table. Small moments of pause, Selah, in our day. It’s these little practices that remind us how big our God is because the world keeps spinning and we can rely on Him, not our own strength or achievement, to turn it. We are allowed to be tired and refill. God created and then enjoyed all He had made as an invitation for us to join Him in that rhythm. May we rest both physically and spiritually so that our homes are havens and our kids may learn to do the same. Selah.
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