Shabbat

Here recently I have been so overwhelmed with the idea of Sabbath, or in Hebrew, Shabbat. Literally, Shabbat means to rest or to ease. The word Shabbat is mentioned 89 times in scripture, and that does not include all the references to resting or being still. If it is mentioned so many times, then why is it ignored so much. Do we believe that Sabbath is something 'old school' and irrelevant? I think so.

I have been attempting to study the idea of Sabbath for some time now. The true Jewish picture of Sabbath is unbelievably dedicated and committed. The more I study Sabbath, the more I am assured that it is not this be lazy, care free, and get off your feet time, but rather, it emphasizes preparing yourself FOR resting. If you just ignore deadlines, life, work, etc and are lazy - that pressure still exists. However, if you properly prepare yourself to rest you can focus on the very thing that needs your attention the most - your relationship with the Lord.

I have also found that there is no better way to study Sabbath than to participate.

The concept of stopping to rest seems almost ridiculous to me. I cannot fathom it because it seems so impossible. Sunday, for me is a legitimate work day (a 13 hour one yesterday), and most Saturdays are consumed with youth events or something of the like. When am I supposed to rest? In order to properly Sabbath the first thing I have to do is kill the excuses. I do have time, I just have to prepare for it.

This Advent season we as a church family are fasting. We are fasting from something in our lives so that we can focus, celebrate, and prepare for His coming. For some people, that fast may be tv. They watch tv. For some, music. And for others, they may eat too much chocolate...so from chocolate they fast. But me? Well, very simply put - I busy. Busy is a verb for me. So, I am fasting from busy, and doing so by adding a psuedo-sabbath.

My Sabbath time is a baby for now, but will hopefully grow. My time is very split up and every week includes working at the church, ministry, school, and coaching. Therefore, my sabbath possibilities are limited. But, it starts today. Over the next 5 weeks, with dad down with his surgery, I will be sharing the teaching load with Steve and Drew. I need to prepare myself, physically, spiritually, and emotionally for this increase. So, every Monday from 3-7pm I am sabbath-ing. No cell phone. No email/facebook/blog/myspace. No tv. Just me, my Lord, and my thoughts. I will no doubt read, I will study, and heck, sometimes I may even sleep. I will not be a strict adherer to sabbath principles like an orthodox Jew. I will still turn on lights, and "work" - or what would be considered work. But it is going to be some simple 'me' time. I cannot wait. I never thought it would be possible to include this into my schedule, but lo and behold, here it comes!

Wish me luck this Advent season as I attempt to apply this principle of Sabbath. I hope it benefits me and every relationship I participate in. We'll see how it goes!