Day 50 - Issue 26
Mark 2:27 NLT
Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath.”
I wonder if the concept of one complete day of rest and recuperation is unattainable in our 24/7 consumerist society. I remember with affection my childhood when shops closed at lunchtime on Saturday, reopening on Monday morning. With most shops open seven days a week, fuelled by marketing and advertising agencies who entice us to shop as a leisure pursuit, it seems impossible that our society will return to earlier shopping patterns – certainly in my lifetime. This, together with a range of children’s sports and leisure activities competing with the needs of ageing parents, is a significant factor in the decline of UK church attendance.
Jesus’ words are refreshing, since we are not meant to be scrambling to keep Sunday special but to live meaningful God-centred lives every day. It does, however, place responsibility upon each one of us to ensure that we create frequent God moments for ourselves and with our families.
My day starts with prayer and rest and, on a working day, is interrupted with regular times of stillness. When I know I have a day off, I ensure I have a plan, whether it is gardening, a trip to the arboretum, or a walk with the dog in a favourite spot.
During each treat my mobile phone is switched off and only turned back on again to check emails and the state of my business on our return home. I am planning and managing my time effectively. My mind knows this and I rest and refresh very comfortably in this way. If I shut off my electronic devices for a day, I know I would carry a tension within because something might need my attention. It’s living with the Sabbath as made for me and accepting my responsibility to ensure I Sabbath in ways that renew my mind. By turning Sabbath into a verb, I consider it as part of my doing routine, to be included in the lifestyle I and my family plan each week.
QUESTION: How do you recharge your batteries and rest well?
PRAYER: Lord, thank you for the privilege of having the freedom to rest.
