The practice of Sabbath, Rest and Slowing are ways to honor our God-given limits and break our addiction to hurry and busyness.
On the seventh day, he rested from all his work. God blessed the seventh day. He made it a Holy Day, because on that day he rested from his work, all the creating God had done. Genesis 2:3
The apostles then rendezvoused with Jesus and reported on all that they had done and taught. Jesus said, “Come off by yourselves; let’s take a break and get a little rest.” For there was constant coming and going. They didn’t even have time to eat. Mark 6:30-31
Ways to practice:
- Don’t make a ‘to-do’ list for one day a week.
- Sabbath by enjoying restful, life-giving activities by yourself or with others – whatever makes you feel alive!
- Build margin into your daily/weekly schedule – develop an intentional rhythm of work & rest.
- Get more sleep.
- Choose to drive or check out at the grocery store in the slow lane.
What results might we expect?
- Freedom from addictions to busyness, rush and hurry, workaholism.
- Space to delight in God, relationships, seasons, meals, creation.
- Savoring the ‘moment’ instead of rushing to the next task.
- Time to delight in others without the stress of our ‘to do’ list.
- Express our love for God by growing dependence on and trust in God, who cares for all things as we rest.
- Remind ourselves that we are human beings, not human doings - and that there are limits to our energy.
- Healing from our tendency to measure ourselves by what we accomplish.
“The Chinese character for busy combines the pictographs for heart and death, suggesting that busyness kills the heart.” Ken Shigamatsu
“Sabbath’s golden rule: Cease from what is necessary. Embrace that which gives life.” Mark Buchanan
For more exploration of Sabbath, Rest and Slowing:
https://www.leadershiptransformations.org/documents/2013.05.Silencio.Sabbath.pdf