What a difference 24 hours make.
For two full days, my kids were with my wife in Indianapolis. I had some work to do but because of bad weather my track meet had been cancelled. There was quiet. There were no tasks to complete and no work to be done. There was no one tugging on my arm to wrestle or jumping up and down wanting me to ‘do art class.’
I could rest.
Then it all changed. Sunday night, the house was full again with energy and laughter and stories of a fun trip to Grammy and Papaw’s. It filled my heart with joy to have them home, but at the same time, I felt the energy draining from my body.
It’s amazing how a 7-year-old and a 6-year-old can exponentially have that affect on your energy in such a short period of time.
I went from full to empty in 2 hours flat.
It’s no wonder God gave us the Sabbath (rest). God the Father said to remember it to keep it was Holy. (Exodus 20:8) Jesus said it was for our good in Mark 2:27 .
Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath.” (NLT)
I often wonder what the Sabbath looked like in those days. A small crowded house. Multiple kids of varying ages. Perhaps in-laws and cousins. Discussions, arguments, loud noises.
How did they rest?
I know my jobs are very different from those in Biblical times. I don’t do the physical labor they did, where their bodies physically needed rest from the long days of toil on the farm or on the seas. But one day a week, they stopped all their labor and focused on God.
How did it energize them? What benefit did it have for them as they began a new week? How do I need to re-evaluate my Sabbath? What does it look like for my family to rest?
This week, I don’t have answers or action steps to pass along to you. I just have questions in my life that I hope will bring about reflection in yours. So that ultimately, we can find the rest for our souls that God intended. Jesus is inviting us to rest.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29) – Jesus
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