Tuesday, October 14, 2008

The Sabbath Gift

I know I've said it before, but I am constantly amazed at how God speaks to me at church. Not in a vague, fortune-telling way but to me personally.

Our pastor has been going through the 10 commandments one by one, giving each one a fresh and relevant application. Last week he spoke on the 4th commandment. That would be honoring the Sabbath for all you heathens out here (J/K, I can't recite them either).

I figured this commandment was as applicable to me as Thou Shalt Not Murder, because I knew I was no murderer, although I'm sure when we get to that sermon, I'll find out that I really am. After all, just about the only people who still keep the Sabbath are the orthodox Jews (except on Saturday) and Chick-fil-A.

The religious leaders of yesterday did a fine job of messing this commandment up for us, with their do not cook and do not heal on the Sabbath. What this commandment says is very simple: Do Not Work Too Hard. Take a break once a week. Things will be okay if we do. God will give us 7 days of provisions in only 6 days, just like He did with the Jews in the desert for 40 years.

We need to take the Sabbath, at least I do. I think my meltdown proved that. I need to rest and reconnect with family, friends, and of course God. I need to look back at the past 6 days and admire all that I have and did, just like God did when He rested on the 7th day and declared that it was good.

This message was exactly what I needed to hear at the exact time that I needed to hear it. Coincidence? No way. It's too specific and happened too often to be that. I'm thankful that He cares so much to reach out to me like this, even though I've been a flake to Him lately.

Incidentally, when I stuck to my guns this past Sunday to not work, it just about killed me. On Monday there was a a pile of stuff for me to do. On the plus side, I refused to think about work and do my list, so I've mostly forgotten what all I have to do, so I guess I don't have to do it. If it's not that important to be remembered, then it's not important to be done, right?

I couldn't not do the dishes, though. The thought of entire kitchen full of caked on dishes was too much for me. Fortunately, I had the dishwasher. Overall, it was a nice relaxing day. Time seemed to pass slower, and everyone had time to both rest and play. We even went to another church service in the evening (more on that later).

I never thought I would reach the point where I would need to slow down because I've always been fairly laid back and slow. I know plenty of moms that are doing even more, but God knows me well and knows that I am not made of that same stuff. He knows I can't handle it, so He told me so. Let's hope that I have enough brain cells to remember it.


1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Yeah, I need to rest too. It's not easy putting up with my boss all day! Nothing some TV won't fix though.