In a world where we’re told to take care of ourselves first, where we’re told “me time” is essential, and where media tells us that our families are a distraction, we sometimes have to resist the urge to make the Sabbath about us.
Jesus said the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath (Mark 2:27).
We’re often confused about the Sabbath really being for us, for mankind, because of the restrictions the church, our family, or even we place on it. It’s a day specifically created for rest, for relationship, and for love, but in striving to make it something else, we end up losing the peace that comes with it.
The Problem With Sabbath Rest as Me Time
In working so hard to rest on the Sabbath, we can often resent all of the things that prevent us from resting just as we’d like. If your Sabbath would be made perfect only if you get a nap in the afternoon, perfectly-behaved children, a clean house, and a pristine hike in the nearby state park, then you risk an unfortunate Sabbath rest every single week!
As Americans, our brains are trained to never rest, and when we do, it can only be done when the work is complete. When the sun goes down this Friday and you still have wet laundry in the washing machine, will you be able to be restful for Sabbath? When you arrive at church and you notice your youngest has a syrup stain on his shirt and your oldest isn’t wearing socks, will church service be restful?
And when you get home and the breakfast dishes are dirty, but “me time” means not doing dishes–can you really enjoy that afternoon nap? And when the kids run in and jump on the bed (because kids don’t care about your me time), will you smile and wrap them in the blankets and giggle with them? Or will the interruption make you resentful and angry?
Then there is the problem of church…and other people there. The scowling older lady who asks you if you fed your kids sugar for breakfast during the opening hymn, will you let her ruin your day?
Shifting the Sabbath Focus
If you’re like me, your Sabbath would be more peaceful, restful, and full in general if only you could be more focused on Jesus. Me too, friend.
Over the years I’ve uncovered the secret here, and it’s available for a limited time: one day a week. Sabbath.
In order to shift the focus to God on Sabbath, you must shift the focus away from yourself.
I said the thing you aren’t supposed to say in today’s world. It is possible and even advantageous to shift focus away from yourself. Other-focused service has many benefits, including mental and physical health benefits! You can be calmer and more relaxed, more connected with others, and more. You can connect more with your family. You can enjoy your kids more. You can enjoy your husband more. When you choose to serve others, you are less likely to resent the things expected of you day after day.
What if you chose to just go above-and-beyond for others this Sabbath?
What if you made the choice to be at peace–even if that means you don’t get everything you want?
I hope you do. I hope you do and then I hope you tell me about it.
