Summertime for me conjures up
images of splashing around in the lake, enjoying the beauty of God’s
creation in each dragonfly and flower, sipping fresh lemonade, watching the
sunset fill the sky with color and family gatherings with hamburgers off the
grill served with lots of pickles!
In our journey of faith, we can
anticipate the Sabbath in the same way. God has built into the fabric of
creation a time to rest. It is often hard to quiet ourselves from the pace of
daily living and to take a day of rest. Sabbath is not a day to catch up on
work that we are behind on, Sabbath is not about being lazy, Sabbath is not a
time to do but a time to be. When we celebrate the Sabbath, we trust that God
provides for everything. The creation story in Genesis, and the fourth
commandment teach us that Sabbath is part of God’s plan. For me, the best
lessons of Sabbath come in the New Testament. What was it that Jesus got caught
doing on the Sabbath? Healing. God heals on the Sabbath. That alone reminds me
that Sabbath is not an option, it is necessary for my relationship with God; it
is the time that God gives me to rest and be healed.
So before this summer closes her
gates, fill up with God’s gracious gifts and remember the Sabbath. Rest,
restore and be healed as you enjoy God and all of creation.
Best Blessings,
Janet
