Lately I’ve been on a mission to learn how to rest, a Sabbath if you will. I’m not talking about attending church on the weekend. I’m talking uninterrupted quiet time. I must confess the thought of resting or a Sabbath makes me feel a bit whiny. I feel almost spoiled just thinking about it. I mean, why should I get to rest when some people work three jobs to pay the bills? Come to think of it, I think I’m working 3 jobs. What about those emails in my inbox that have piled up? What about those nice people that invited us to dinner Friday night and the Pampered Chef party? (sorry) Do I sound whiny yet? I’ll continue: What about making use of that Scramble app I downloaded, or Words with Friends. Come to think of it, there are at least 12 people waiting on me to take my turn. Cleaning the house and mowing the grass and cooking and what about _____? You fill in the blank. If it’s not one thing it’s another. So why not try and do it all? Throw in another baseball practice or two a worship rehearsal and then let’s squeeze dinner in Friday evening with the Templeton’s. They are such nice people. We can rest when we’re dead. So, maybe I’ve answered my own question. What keeps us from taking the necessary times of rest?
It’s clearly us and our stuff.
I recently read an article in the NY Times about a guy we’ll call Mr. Campbell, who works with computers specializing in creating internet start-ups and then selling them to other companies. Here’s a guy who spends his day in front of two computer screens alive with emails, instant messages, chats, a Web browser and the computer code he is writing. You could say he is addicted to technology which is quickly coming to a mind near you. He forgets dinner plans, has trouble focusing on his family and goes to sleep with his iPhone on his chest. One statement that jumped out at me was when his wife stated that he is “not fully present with his family,” even when he is not using his gadgets. In fact, his typical breakfast includes watching a T.V. news screen in the corner of his computer screen while using the rest of the screen for checking his email.
Talk about the need for a Sabbath!
Just so you know the effects technology has on us…since I’ve been writing this blog, I’ve checked my email and twitter account three or four times.
If we are to give God all He deserves then finding times of rest and unplugging is important. It seems obvious that I’m not a very good example so my suggestions to you are also being written for me. The choice is yours (ours). Take a hike in the woods and leave your iPod at home. Find a bench along the way and stop to reflect on God’s goodness. Within the next month, do something that used to be considered a hobby. Take a nap on a Sunday afternoon and turn the phone and T.V. to the off position. Here’s one; don’t check email, Twitter, Facebook or voice messages for 24 hours straight. I dare you! Whatever you choose as your Sabbath, rest in knowing that what you’ll receive is what you need. Down time is not only important for your health and well-being but it will allow you strength to do everything as unto the Lord. He deserves it and so do you.
If you identify with what you’re reading you are probably in need of taking a rest more often. So, who’s in? I’m going to find time to rest this week and then post about it here. Grab a cup of coffee or hot tea. Breathe in. Breathe out. You just may change your world for the better.
Regi