Rhythm of Rest

Rest.

Shabbat.

Sabbath.

All these words speak to a specific rhythm of life in order to thrive in spirit, soul and body.

When I was a young girl, we would spend the weekend with my grandparents in Albuquerque.

They had an apartment next to the main shopping mall. My sisters and I would put on our roller skates and head out to the mall parking lots. They were completely empty! All the stores closed on Sundays.

It was a given day of rest. It was accepted and appreciated. It was regular.

Shabbat is the Hebrew word for rest. Defined as a: “Joy filled day of rest.”

Sabbath is defined as a 24 hour block of time in which we STOP work, enjoy REST, practice DELIGHT and CONTEMPLATE God.

Our recent teaching at church also presented this rhythm of rest to be a way to experience life and receive life. It is described as a time to let go of our “have to” or “I should” statements.

As I listened to the teaching, I realized even the seasons of the year give the example of rest. Winter is the rest. This resonated in my soul as I am tempted to push through the winter and try to plant a “garden” resulting in over work and exhaustion. The soil is not ready. It is resting. Spring is around the corner and I can look forward to planting season!

My intention for the year to listen to the “season”, respect the Sabbath, and enjoy the rest. It is a masterpiece design that is there to propel me to thrive and flourish. There is no judgment on my rest. It is an example for the younger generation and our busy world and a way to live free and fulfilled. Every week.

Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work.

Genesis 2:3