more words from Heschel
"Observance of the seventh day is more than a technique of fulfilling a commandment. The Sabbath is the presence of God in the world, open to the soul of man. It is possible for the soul to respond in affection, to enter into fellowship with the consecrated day."
"When we celebrate the Sabbath we adore precisely something we do not see."
I am still walking through the meaning of Sabbath...I fear that all I have learned/experienced the last few months will be forgotten. I don't want what I am experiencing now to be a fad or trend...I know there is more, but the gravity of distraction is powerful at times. Remember the Sabbath to sanctify it (Exodus 20:8).
Sabbath Number Five - through the lens of photography
In my journey of discovering the beauty of Sabbath, a rejuvenating experience in creativity has occurred. Throughout the last few months, I have attempted to capture Sabbath through the eyes of a photographer. It has also led me to a new confidence and affirmation that I am a photographer, an artist. Matthew Fox writes “when we consider creativity, we are considering the most elemental and innermost and deeply spirited aspects of our beings.” To allow creativity has been challenging with the weight of the world, yet with the elements of Sabbath the imagination seems endless. It is a day for everything else to rest and limitless creativity to consume our souls. For me, Sabbath and art allows me to honor the child within and to connect with God in a way that is almost beyond words. That is why I love photography…capturing something without the obligations of words. Here are some photos I have taken and that demonstrate a few characteristics of Sabbath for me…enjoy!
Mary Oliver inspires Sabbath...Thank you Mary Oliver
Sabbath Number Four- Humming Birds and Cuddle Time
I woke up to an empty house, as everyone had gone to church and my intent was to start Sabbath off with a little solitude before being with family later. My in-laws back yard looks into a fantastic green forest. With a warm cup of coffee I sat down towards the view. I noticed that Sally and Jay had quite the set up of bird feeders hanging from a rope that connected from a tree to their house. I was amused by this as the free birds came and went for their proportion of seeds they could fly away with. Very peaceful. As I realized how satisfying this experience was, a lovely hummingbird came right up to the window, and I'm talkin' RIGHT up to the window. There was a feeder connected to the window and the bird must not have seen me. Oh it was amazing! The presence of one hummingbird was enough but I was fortunate to see 4 in the time that I sat in that lazy boy chair! In some peculiar way, I felt connected in those moments of watching those birds. Connected to God, connected to myself, and connected to creation. I felt as if it was an invitation into a day set apart from the other six.
Later in the day I was excited to spend some time with my niece. It was just the two of us as her parents went out for a movie. Alexis is around 19 months and a bundle of JOY! She is at the stage where I am content with just watching her as she discovers the world. Since our time in Mexico, her words and coordination have increased. I am thinking in the future that part of my Sabbath rhythm is to spend time with kids. There is nothing like their imagination and ability to experience the here and now. I mostly observed but one precious moment is when we had a tea party with her cool talking tea set. Oh the laughter and light hearted play that comes with being a child. I love knowing that my niece is a role model for me in how to play well. One last experience that is worth noting in regards to this day is when Alexis woke up from her nap. You can imagine that she is fairly active during play but this time I was blessed to participate in tender cuddles. I picked her up out of her crib and we sat in a chair for at least 20 minutes. The feeling is almost indescribable. The feeling of her soft breaths and the rhythm of rocking in the chair...that is a memory I hope to remember. Since I don't see Alexis every week, this was a special gift. It is those moments that feel set apart, uncommon to the day to day life. Even if that was my own child...I can imagine the gift is there for parents that see their kids day to day. I can imagine it is these moments that help parents set aside the fears and frustrations of raising a child and remember the goodness of God in the spaces between the challenges of being a parent.
BLESSED indeed
Sabbath Number Three- How to Sabbath while on "Vacation?"
Sabbath and lemons?
The Ten Commandments: No.3 Keep Holy The Sabbath Day from Global Mechanic on Vimeo.
Sabbath Number Two- Set Apart
Heschel's thoughts on Sabbath and Eternity
What is the Sabbath? Spirit in the form of time.With our bodies we belong to space; our spirit, our souls, soar to eternity, aspire to the holy. The Sabbath is an ascent to the summit."
"The seventh day is a reminder that God is our father, that time is life and the spirit our mate.
Sabbath Number One- Remembering
Sabbath Morning Liturgy
To God who rested from all action on the seventh day