Dear Friends:

These past several weeks a beloved, faithful soul in the life of Epiphany has lamented over her Sabbath Envy! In her very busy schedule she’s reminded of Meister Eckhart’s words, “God is not found in the soul by adding anything but by subtracting.” Yet, we live in a culture where adding and “doing” is a sign of success and achievement. We set ourselves up for “doing”. We say “yes” when asked because we’re honored to have been given the responsibility; that folks would think we are capable.  Somehow, we find ourselves in places and worlds we long thought we’ve left behind and now we’re invited back in to “do”.

Last week I received an email from a name not one bit familiar to me on any level. But, somehow this person found me after decades! He wanted me to join a group of our high school graduating class to support and arrange for our high school reunion. Flattered, I was thankfully, still able to say “no” implying that I’m too busy. It seems that in China, the polite answer to the familiar greeting, “How are you,” is “I am very busy, thank you.” Evidently to relay that we are very busy is a sign that we are very well and getting a lot done. Getting a lot done is a way of measuring success, in China, and in the United States. What is it we say, “you want a job done? Ask the busiest people.”

But God commanded, “remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.” Scholar and preacher, Barbara Brown Taylor, defined her long awaited Sabbath after twenty years of serving in parish ministry as a priest. Finally, one Sunday morning, alone, she held worship on her front porch with the birds in the trees. (Don’t get any ideas!) She was able to read until she was hungry. It was lunchtime. She made an egg sandwich. The day went along and she found herself napping. In time, the sun set. Taylor came to understand God’s fourth commandment. She was able to keep the Sabbath holy, saying no to screen, to internet, to consumerism, to racing around in the car. Instead, Taylor was able to say “yes” to some holy time with God.

We’re reminded that the first thing made holy by God in creation is a day for Sabbath rest. Sabbath isn’t actually a day of not doing. Rather, Sabbath is intended to be a day of delight, a day of feasting in the wonder, and the delight of the divine. Sabbath is a day of celebration and joy in the abundance of God’s great love, a glimpse of the kingdom. Sabbath is the gift of freedom, extended to us, God’s creation, and realized through practice.

This Sunday, practice Sabbath. Come, worship with Family Worship. Rejoice with the Children’s Choir as they sing out. Pray fervently. Let the music of the Praise Band release you to the freedom of God’s tender embrace. Lose yourself to God in praise to our Lord God. Enjoy the big “0” birthday party for Marilyn Reardon and Gene Vaughn during fellowship! Sunday evening, round out your holy Sabbath.  Be a part of 5:30 Celtic Worship, simply resting in the sacred sounds and candlelight as we reflect on God’s most holy word.

Jesus reminds us, God created Sabbath for us.  We weren’t created for the Sabbath.  Let go of your Sabbath envy.  Rejoice in the Lord always!

See you Sunday glorious Sabbath dwellers.

Blessings,

Hillary