A Sabbath Rest

When I lived in Jamaica, a couple of my neighbors kept a regular Sabbath. Everyone called him Smith, though I think that was his last name. Smith worked two jobs, and his wife was a full-time nursing student. She commuted an hour each day to Kingston for both work and school. They both led busy, hectic lives.

On their day off together, they would go to church in the morning. That afternoon would be spent sharing food with family and friends. Sometimes they’d hang out under the mango tree. I remember lots of laughter from their house, lots of singing. They took this time off so seriously – and yet had so much fun with it. It was a pattern of holy rest, a ritual. And, it was amazing to see every weekend all of their stress just disappear.

Looking back, I too had this day off. I had the whole weekend free. But I spent Saturday mornings doing my wash, and the afternoons grading papers. On Sunday afternoons I’d clean the house and make the lesson plans for the next week. There always seemed to be something that needed to be done.

One Sunday afternoon, I was sitting outside grading papers as my neighbor walked up. I’ll never forget the moment. With a big smile on his face, Smith asked, “Presbyterians take no rest mon?” I said, “Sure. But I’ve got to get this done.” He gently replied, “Even God rests, Joe. Are you more important than God?” He was kidding. But not really. He was right.

I pray today for you – that you would be able to take one day a week and let go of work, let go of laundry or paying bills, and perhaps even technology. One day a week. Instead, fill that day with things that nourish your soul.

Let us pray: Loving God, We want to honor you, and we want to experience the abundant life that you offer. Help us, O God, set a healthy pattern of work and rest, so that we may live a life that puts you at the heart and center. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.