Cease

I have the gift and curse of being task and time oriented. It comes in handy when I need to meet deadlines and complete tasks. However, I often find myself unable to turn it off. Even when it comes to rest, I want to look back on a day off and see that I have used my time well by taking my family out to do something fun or completing a project at home. Yesterday, I did something I haven't done for a while – NOTHING (Well, not entirely – I did leave my house to spend some time alone in my tree stand – but after that)! I stayed at home, played with my daughters, took a nap, and tried my best to be present with my family and at peace in the moment. I didn't dwell on my list of to-do's or the people I needed to message back, and I didn't spend my day glued to a screen either. I was almost surprised when for the first time in several weeks I woke up feeling mentally, physically and spiritually refreshed.

The word sabbath is derived from the Hebrew verb “sabat” which means “to cease or stop.” If you're like me, you may tend to just shift the rhythm of your movements, but never really cease them. Yesterday was a great reminder to me that truly ceasing is part of our design. God did it after creation, and Jesus did it regularly during his ministry. I encourage you to make an effort to “sabat” this week. Rest in the finished work of Christ. I think you will find it refreshing to your mind, body and soul.