(It's been a little quiet around here this week--around the blog, not my house! Thus, the quiet here online. Toben's been out of town, we've had some meetings, some playdates, and we're supposed to roll out of here for the lake in a couple of hours. Everyone's still asleep though, and since there's no such thing as wireless connection in the car yet, thought I'd better check in now!)
So, the Sabbath...
I don't think I can get it all down in one post (and I really need to finish packing and I'd love to go for a walk before sitting in the car for hours on end the next couple of days), but I'll go ahead and start and continue my thoughts as the days go on.
As I mentioned a couple of days ago, God's really been bringing the Sabbath to the forefront on my life lately. It's one of those things where a topic pops up all over the place, sometimes in random places, and you begin to think, God, are you trying to tell me something? (Does that ever happen to you? I always think it's cool when it does.)
Anyway, I've been reading some books, listening to some sermons, and having some conversations with my parents. (I'll do a post with some links to books and sermons I've found helpful, challenging, insightful, intriguing.) It started a couple of years ago, in fact, but really feels like it's all coming together in the past few months.
I've long felt that our Sundays need to be different than any other day of the week--that we need to honor the Sabbath and keep in holy (it's the fourth commandment, after all)--but I've just not been sure what that looks like.
I do know a couple of things:
It looks restful.
It looks relaxed and not rushed.
It looks like family.
It looks like service.
It looks quiet.
It looks peaceful.
It looks like the best day of the week.
It looks like freedom, rather than rules.
It looks deliberate.
That deliberate thing is the key. A day like that isn't just going to happen by chance. So we're putting some things into practice and asking God to continue leading--and here's the exciting part!--it's really coming together. And I'm so excited about it. Because I need a day like that more than "every once in a while when nothing else is on the calendar and somehow everything in my life lines up in perfect harmony."
The Sabbath is not a random, once in a while, "if you're really good and on top of everything and crossed everything off your to do list" kind of a reward. It's a weekly gift--and it's one I want and need.
Thanks for this post. Will be waiting for your other thoughts on it.
I've actually been dealing with some of those same things. It is just always so amazing how God confirms things for His children.
Have a great trip! (Even the car ride...ugh!)
Posted by: amber | August 01, 2008 at 07:09 AM
I'll be looking forward to the rest of your posts on this!!
Enjoy the lake!
Posted by: Queen B | August 01, 2008 at 07:13 AM
Excellent thoughts, Joanne! I look forward to hearing more details. Bonnes vacances, mon amie !
Posted by: Holly B. | August 01, 2008 at 07:35 AM
I can't wait to hear more. Yes, the thought of having a Sabbath has been popping up all over the place for me too. God is speaking to a whole generation of wives and mothers that have realized that we can't keep going at the pace we are going and still have the family that we desire. Either that or we were all raised on Little House on the Prarie.
Posted by: Mary | August 01, 2008 at 07:43 AM
I'm smiling ear-to-ear as I read your post. I know where you are, having already been led there by the Lord. I can't wait to hear more about your process and what your Sabbath is going to look like.
I especially like and can relate to your last description: deliberate. What a great word to describe what I was trying to convey to you in my hasty email.
Have a wonderful, relaxing time!
Posted by: Dawn W | August 01, 2008 at 08:05 AM
Deliberate...yes!
You know what is one thing that makes Sunday restful for me? When I make a big meal on Saturday night and we have leftovers on Sunday. It's a small thing, but when I'm "deliberate" about it, the payoffi is big.
Can't wait to hear more.
Have a FUN trip!
Posted by: Meredith | August 01, 2008 at 09:07 AM
I'm looking forward to those posts Joanne (although I'll be away from the computer for the next week - but I'll catch up!). We attend a saturday night service at our church, but I agree with you, we do need to make the sabbath a special day.
Yes - the Lord does do that with me. In fact, sometimes I feel as though He is hitting me over the head with something (I tend to be a little slow to get things..).
Have a wonderful vacation time. Rest, relax, enjoy!
Posted by: Linda | August 02, 2008 at 10:26 AM
I agree with you whole heartedly. Sometimes, we go to church on Saturday night, in order to keep the Sabbath a peaceful unrushed family kind of a day.
(also, I too am a big fan of parentheses)
Hope you're having a grand time at the lake!
Posted by: Jessica | August 02, 2008 at 01:40 PM
Love this! Love you!
Posted by: Marla Taviano | August 03, 2008 at 04:19 PM
I so agree, especially with the last line:)
Blessings,
Posted by: ~Robin | August 04, 2008 at 08:44 PM
I'm just catching up from vacation.
Honestly, for me, I changed my thinking on the Sabbath after reading your book. I have since made the effort to keep Sundays peaceful. I gave myself permission to take a nap, read a book, and not do ANY housework or errands except a big lunch or dinner (depending on my husband's work schedule...which, sadly, can't be changed). We eat on the china and my girl loves it because it makes the day special. I try to make a nice meal, because that's one day that I actually have time in the kitchen and my girl & I are starting to do it together. It's wonderful family time.
Posted by: Melissa @ Breath of Life | August 06, 2008 at 08:58 AM