Ceasing on the Sabbath

I don't know why, but I think it's easier to start with the "do nots" when it comes to understanding the Sabbath. Just some weird way I'm wired, I suppose. I want a clear list of what I can't and should do--and that way I can check off all the little boxes and we'll all be just fine.

But the Sabbath isn't really like that, I'm learning. So much of it is about motive. What honors the Sabbath for you may not honor the Sabbath for me. Which means it's something we each have to discover and pray and seek God's guidance in for ourselves.

And isn't that the point, really?

I mentioned Lynne Baab's book, Keeping the Sabbath, a couple of weeks ago. One of the things I appreciated was questions to help wrestle through what it means to keep the Sabbath for me and my family.

She had something to say that makes sense to me about figuring out the "ceasing" part first:

Remember, we are striving to obey the spirit of the sabbath law. We are not trying to make rules or create new burdens. We are ceasing from some activities to make space for resting in God and enjoying the gifts he's given us.

I need to cease from some things in order to make space for what I will do on the Sabbath. If I add without subtracting first, then it's all too easy to get overwhelmed because the day is just too full. I have to clean house, as it were, before I bring in something new. Otherwise it's just clutter.

Here are just a couple of the questions she asks in her chapter, "A Day Without a 'To Do' List":

What do you need to cease from?

What aspect of your life might be losing its value because of overuse?

Your answers to those questions will probably be different than mine. But as I think about it, I need to cease from work, from chores, from my never-ending to do list. I need to cease from the hustle and bustle of the outside world--shopping, running errands. I need to cease from the noise of everyday life.

The second question is a little harder for me. When I think of overuse, I think of the computer. I love my MacBook, but I spend LOTS of time on it--particularly when I'm in the middle of a writing project. Even just reading blogs, surfing the net, and responding to email takes up big chunks of my day.

I am a reader--and always have been. And when I'm on a reading tear, the world could stop and I wouldn't notice! I do read lots of nonfiction, but when I read for fun, I read for fun. Nothing too heady, nothing on Oprah's book club, just total escape into the world of spies and adventure. 

I say a reading tear, because I can easily ignore my family for hours on end and escape to the underwater world of Dirk Pitt and Clive Cussler novels. I overdo it easily.

For my children, overuse makes me think of the television, the computer. It's changing now that school has begun (we do not turn the television on Monday-Thursday), but as I look back on the summer, it seemed that the TV was on and someone was playing on Webkinz or Littlest Pet Shop or American Girl or Build a Bear every moment.

As I've thought about my answers to those questions, a couple of things have come out of it:

• No computer for me or the girls on Sundays.
• No television (with the exception of watching movie as a family) on Sundays.
• No homework for the girls on Sundays.
• No chores on Sundays.
• No shopping or errands on Sundays.
• No fiction for me on Sundays.
• Nothing on Sundays that doesn't include the whole family--that means an automatic "no" to any birthday parties on a Sunday afternoon, Girl Scout activities, or playdates.

That's an awful lot of NO as I look at the list. But the cool thing is that some of it feels like a relief--no grocery shopping, no cleaning the house, no laundry! 

But like Baab said in her book, all those "no"s create space for the things we will do on Sundays.

This is getting entirely too long and I have to go take Audrey to her final vision therapy evaluation, so more on the YES stuff soon! You deserve a cookie if you've read through this whole thing--and maybe a cup of tea to go with it. Go treat yourself!

Comments

[Dawn W]

Learning to say "no" can be a very freeing experience. I think women, in particular, are made to feel guilty if we say "no" to anything - especially if it relates to our kids, or certainly as it relates to ministry opportunities. It sounds silly, but it took me years before I realized that I didn't have to say "yes" (and that God didn't want me to!) to every opportunity!

As you know, we have a very similiar "no" list - which leaves a whole lot more room for worship, serving and just being together as a family.

Blessings!

[Gretchen]

Wow...I loved looking at your list and Sabbath thoughts. It's nice that you and your hubby are on the same page where God is concerned. I'm a bit unequally yoked. Our Sundays (or Sabbath--usually a Sunday) are not as pared down as what yours will look like, but I've made it known that I don't want to work or have any "have-tos" in as much as that can happen. My husband has been pretty respectful of this.

Re: the fiction reading. That one would be hard for me. I totally understand how wrapped up we can become in a story, and not allow God's still small voice to enter in the picture. Yet another idea to chew on. :)

[Linda]

I'll resist the tea and cookie because it's almost supper time (and I really MUST lost this eight pounds that used to be five), but I really enjoyed this post Joanne. I've been looking forward to reading it.
I really do agree with the concept of taking some things out. I will have to think it prayerfully through. Thanks Joanne.

[Kate]

That's awesome! I've never actually even thought about the Sabbath and what it means (sadly); I know what it meant long ago. Anyway, I'll have to figure out what it means to me now...cool. ;)

NO (just practicing...lol)

[Lisa R-P]

What a great list of "Do Nots". I am looking forward to the list of Do's. I am trying to focus on staying home on Sunday afternoons to do something creative. To relax. To not be overbooked and overscheduled 1 day out of the week. Baby steps -- I'll get there.

Saying no is really hard. We are dealing with a different "no". Olivia is growing up and making some of her own choices. She is saying "no" to piano lessons. That is really hard for me. I don't like quitting and I am sad to see her quit a good thing. She wants to join the swim team after soccer is done. She knows that she cannot do it all --- in that way she is already smarter and better balanced than her mother :-0 It's just hard to have my little girl grow up -- and -- be different from me.

[Shelby]

definitely good stuff, thank you! I think the most convicting thing for me was listening to Alistair Begg's series on The Ten Commandments. wow.

[ghd hair straightener]

Making noodles is MUCH easier and faster than it sounds. Once you do, youll be amazed at how yummy and easy they are!