Sabbath

I have been challenged recently by the idea of practicing Sabbath. I quite honestly was intimidated by the idea as I considered an entire day without working. “There is just too much to do,” I thought, “I cannot afford to spend that much time resting.” And yet, the idea excited me as well. I considered that I would have time to read and write – things I enjoy but do not make time for when I feel like I constantly am working.
Resting is not something I do well and it certainly is not something that comes naturally to me. I enjoy working, and working hard – sometimes to a fault maybe. I have had to be very intentional to not work on my Sabbath. I have had to consider what work is for me and abstain from those activities. While preparing food for the week may help the rest of my week to go better (and maybe even be more restful) cooking is not restful to me. Going to Walmart is not restful to me. Even clothes shopping is not restful to me! Listening to worship music…reading Scripture…journaling…being creative. These activities are restful to me. They are life-giving.
James and I spent most of our day yesterday, doing what I would call spring cleaning. He asked that we block off the day to organize our closets so that they would be more functional. What started as organizing closets became rearranging the pantry, kitchen cabinets, laundry room – practically our entire home. I was dreading it to be quite honest. And yet, I knew that I would work hard on Saturday, and rest on Sunday. At the end of the day, as I reflected on our work, I was quite pleased with the result. I know where things are, and I can reach them (well some of them)! Our home is not cluttered, and it feels good!
I think practicing Sabbath has been somewhat like spring cleaning for me. I kind of dreaded changing my routine since I do not particularly like change, but I needed to reorganize my life so it would be more “functional.” As I reflect on the past three weeks that I have been more intentional about keeping Sabbath, I am quite pleased with the result. I have set priorities. I have made time for things that I enjoy, that give life to me. I think my mind is less “cluttered.” I work hard when it is time to work, and I rest well when it is time to rest. I think overall I am less stressed about work.
As I think about our Spring Cleaning & Paint Party at Portico this weekend, if I am completely honest, I am dreading it a little. I really do not like cleaning. And yet, I am excited to work hard alongside my church family, and I believe we will be pleased with the results. I will work hard on Saturday and rest well on Sunday. We will work hard together this Saturday, and then we will rest together at our spring retreat on April 18th. I can think of no better way to spend time with my church family. Looking forward to fellowshipping with everyone at both events!

Melissa Mejas