Here it is August already. A friend of mine mentioned at the end of last summer that he was glad summer was over because the pressure to have fun was gone. I hear him. In times when demands are high and funds are low the pressure to get out there and enjoy life is almost unbearable. As people we don't do leisure well. We also are surrounded by enablers and slavemasters who will gladly fill every waking hour and many of our sleeping ones with something. Another friend went on vacation recently and told her bosses she was going overseas, even posting photoshopped pictures of herself in front of well known landmarks on her facebook, just so she wouldn't get called back into work.
I am the ultimate hypocrite when it comes to telling others to not fill their "empty spaces" The very air around me always has to be filled with something. I am writing this article on my facebook account while keeping tabs on other conversations. the radio is on and I just put down a book (a book I am reading to improve my ability to minister, not one for fun) to write it. At breakfast I fill the bowls of cereal and switch on the news to catch up on the goings on in the world in case I missed something since yesterday. Like I can do anything about it anyway. Even when I pray I stop half the time midway because in the stillness of the moment because I thought of something that "just has to get done."
As you contemplate what has to get done next Sunday remember that God, knowing this driving force of human nature, set apart the Sabbath for that reason: to give us the rest we need. He even told us not to work our servants and cattle (or waitresses or clerks perhaps) on that day. Now I know you'll tell me two things, first: it was so much easier when we had the blue laws and there was nothing to do on a Sunday except at church. I really doubt that was totally true but even if it were I know no one is forcing you (or me) through Wal-Mart's doors just because they're open. Jesus said consider the birds...I say consider the mules, no one can make you do anything you really do not want to do. Second, you'll say I am judging you for what you do on Sunday. If I am Then I am judging myself too. But I am not really judging, I am saying whatever you do on the Sabbath do it having considered the question "is this what How God wants me to spend His gift of rest?" Recently God has been teaching me some lessons including one where, though I was unsure of what I really should do I had to respond, "No matter What I do I just want to be faithful." Whatever we do it should be done out of faith in God and assurance that He would not have us go a different way.
The point is use the gift of Sabbath God gave you. Use it to slow down, cut off the noise and listen, expecting God to whisper His will to you. Use God's other gifts, His Word, the Bible, will always speak a word from Him. Use your Sabbath time to surround yourself with His people too. They will often, sometimes without even being aware, speak a word from God to you. Also use the time given to worship to enjoy God. It is hard to see God as anything less than he is when you are worshipping Him in genuine joy.
Anyway I hope this helps you find a little more purpose in slowing down. I may only be writing to myself with you as an audience. But I suspect, from experience, someone else may be hearing a word they need to hear. If nothing else I hope this allows you to enjoy a summer without the fear and discontent of not having had enough fun.
In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark
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Rev Mark R. Simonds
Pastor, Oakdale UP Church
"Declaring Teaching and Living God's Word of Grace"
President, West Allegheny Ministerial Association
"Worshiping and Serving One Triune God Together"
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