|
As we enter into a new school year, I am journeying through faith practices. Each month I am taking the time to consider one practice and how I can continue to integrate it in my family life. The Christian Reformed Church has partnered with the PCUSA to choose a monthly faith practice for the entire school year. September's practice is Sabbath.
Here are some questions that we can consider together.
- What does it mean to me to "keep the sabbath holy"?
- How might my sabbath practice help me grow to be more like Jesus?
- What might a life-giving sabbath look like for me?
- How could my sabbath practices be life-giving for my neighbors also?
- What scriptures help you consider the sabbath and how it can be integrated into your daily life? I am taking some time this week to read some of the Psalms and consider rest.
For our family many of our most meaningful sabbath experiences during this pandemic have been found outdoors. We have spent them in our backyard, traveled to nearby nature trails and hiked, touched the water in creeks, swam in pools, oceans or lakes and climbed mountains. Since school has started, we are taking Sabbath Saturday adventures. When we take in our surroundings, I notice a calmness, peace, joy and connection among our family and those we encounter. Last Saturday was spent sliding through water and down rocks at Poole's Mill Park. The previous week we took some Sabbath time on Labor Day to hike to the top of Brasstown Bald.
Where do you go to experience rest and connection with God during your week? We are called to worship on the sabbath and then continue to live that out all week long. How could sabbath practices be integrated into your week between Sunday and Sunday?
Consider these words from Psalm 91:14-16, ""If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God, "I'll get you out of any trouble. I'll give you the best of care if you'll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times; I'll rescue you, then throw you a party. I'll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!"
|
