We are in the final week before the office closes. The good doctor is closing his doors Friday. I’ve become increasingly stressed over the repetition in conversations and what I continually forget is this is the caller’s first time processing this with us. We had a woman come into the office and her agitation increased as english is not her first language. She did not know how to make the next step, she did not know who to call. She was not sure how to help her husband, the patient. So, I took her step by step. We called the new office, got him scheduled, gave her directions to the new doctor. She left our office calm.
In the summer study I am doing with Pam Gillaspie called Strength Renewed, we are learning about Sabbath rest. I can’t help but think that this lady in our office yesterday and what Pam is teaching us right now line up. You see, I can show this lady how to help her husband. I can give her the steps, but if she doesn’t take him to the appointment, follow the new doctor’s instructions, then the help is null. Pam’s teaching and study have cemented for me the need to take the time to rest, to step away from the distractions for one day a week and rest.
Thinking through my next steps
There are a few things I have to plan to make sure I have a day of rest. Weekends are full of family, grocery shopping, church and rest. We catch up on laundry and other various tasks. I think of this like taking a vacation. I need to make a list, pack, make sure animals are handled, etc. The same must be true of taking a day to stop, drop, and rest. The other aspect of Sabbath that can be confusing is..does this mean I do absolutely nothing? I think, from what I’m studying, it is the quiet rest of mind that brings God to the forefront of your mind.
Additionally, I have started fasting again but with my health issues I had to choose some things to “fast” from instead. So, the obvious is social media and games. Furthermore, the last two days I’ve avoided the traps and as I was prompted to check, this became my time to pray. You know what else happened? I prayed more and isn’t that convicting? That’s how often I receive notifications and think to check the socials. The same can be true of Sabbath rest.
Now what?
The meals planned. The shopping, laundry, etc has been planned. Now the day is ahead. Here’s the thing for me, I still need to guard my mind and set my gaze on things above. Staying in bed for a little longer than I normally do and listen to the word in bed. Normally it’s on my walk, but just resting and listening. Having easy food prep options so I don’t have to think about food and such. Naps. Reading. Quiet music. Sitting and talking with people. Mindful of continuing to pray and moving my mind towards the Lord. I also spend much more time working on Bible study and writing. Keeps my mind occupied.
Let me be clear. It has only been in the past year that I have even attempted a true Sabbath. I also have not been great at this endeavor. As things come up, I’ve allowed it to be pushed to the wayside. So, with this recent study and many conversations, I know that I want to be serious about this and set this time aside. I don’t have it all figured out. I’m learning too.
Feedback…you tell me
I would love to hear how you make Sabbath rest a part of your life. One friend said they split the day into two days. Another said they love to cook meals for people. (That is obviously not me.) I really like the opportunity to do the things that get set aside so often when I’m busy. Deep study, reading, and writing with naps interspersed. Would you comment below and let me know? Or, have I got you thinking and you want to try establishing this routine in your life?
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