What Sets This Day Apart
UnpluggedMake No Plans
Take Time To Observe
Interruptions
In another attempt to practice Sabbath, my husband and I wrestled throughout the day in desiring this day to be set apart from the others. We had somewhat planned a few days prior to allow Saturday to be the day we would engage with Sabbath. In our conversations in class, the concept of Holy-set apart has stuck with me. I spent Saturday constantly reminding myself and James what makes this day set apart? So first things first, we unplugged from our cell phones. Turning them off was refreshing...no obligations or interruptions, so we thought! We spent the day connecting with each other and ultimately with our Creator, with conversations and side by side activities. We decided that another way in which this day would be set apart would to have a "no plan" mentality. By turning off cell phones and allowing no obligations, time felt irrelevant. We got outside due to the beautiful weather and played tennis. I also found myself aware of the families and children playing around us in the park. Taking time to observe...another theme that I would like to incorporate into the rhythms of Sabbath. I watched children play with their imagination and wonder. Children are a gift and window to delight. As the day progressed, I found myself begin to think about all the obligations and things that needed to get done. I had to be intentional to tell myself that those things would have to wait until tomorrow. It is a commitment to protect the practices and rhythms of Sabbath. I began to realize this when our door bell rang. A man that has stopped by our house a few times had invited me to learn how to crochet and I had forgotten about my commitment. Henry is a man that is often misunderstood. I had to work through this misunderstanding myself as we welcomed him into our home. To be honest, I already know how to crochet...but God tugs on my heart when it comes to Henry. I spent an hour watching him crochet and tell stories about his abusive father that now rests in heaven. Henry also seems to have struggles mentally as he is slow in speaking his thoughts. Though this seemed to be an "interruption," Henry was apart of Sabbath. A perfect example of not judging a book by it's cover and allowing space for the unpredictable. I know that I miss so many opportunities and glimpses of God's character by my own biases and inability to let go of my comforts. Engaging with Sabbath is taking me outside of that comfort zone.
