Peace and Blessings to you, Beloved Church.

Summer Sabbath: the Importance of Rest

Dear Church, In the ancient days of the People of God when God brought them out of Egyptian Slavery and into the Promised Land, the importance of observing the Sabbath rose to increased prominence. Observing Sabbath helped form their identity as a liberated people and was a constant reminder of their shared resistance of Pharaoh’s expectations of 24/7 work and productivity. Perhaps we can learn from the guidance of these faithful people who have gone before us, especially in our day now as we face increased societal pressures of constant productivity and a never-ending work cycle that leaves us exhausted in body and spirit.

This summer, I invite you to join me in observing a season of Sabbath: a holy time to disconnect from work and reconnect with God, our loved ones, and the earth. This is more than just “taking Sundays off” or sleeping in a bit on the weekends (which are both important!). No, I hope that as the summer schedule barrels towards us, you would find *many* times for renewal, as often as every day. This could be as simple as taking a few moments to breathe slowly in the morning hours, or it could be as grand as a change of scenery like a road trip or an afternoon in the Metroparks or on the lakefront. I am of the mind that God finds us in these special moments and cares for our spirits through them. Together, we can combat the growing anxieties of scarcity, loss, and the general exhaustion we are feeling in life.

There’s a reason that observing Sabbath is part of the Ten Commandments. It’s central to our lives and connections with each other and with God! I am grateful that our Lutheran spiritual tradition has continued to lift it up as a central practice of the faith.

~Pastor Paul

August 12, 2018