one week for one day.

03Oct
by Jon Swanson

So here’s the thing.

We worry about the right way to do things like keeping Sabbath holy. Or we offer explanations of why we can’t or don’t or shouldn’t need to. But we have a hard time merely trying.

I understand. I really do. But I’m wondering.

What difference might it make if we spent one week ordering our schedule and activities so that for one day we can listen to our hearts, listen for God, live for the simple good of those around us, seek peace and pursue it, offer a tiny bit of understanding. 

I know. It might be a challenge. Even as we slow down, we find turbulence. It’s what I talked about earlier this week about finding our stride.

And even as I am writing, I’m thinking about my extrovert friends who find quiet threatening. I think of my friends with houses of kids who can’t imagine a relaxed day. I think of my pleaser friends who are wanting a list of the things to do.

And I cannot answer your questions. Not in the abstract.

But I have been stunned by the number of emails I’ve gotten from people who have found a bit of calmness in their lives by relaxing their grip on time for a day. Of people who have a rhythm of eating with friends, looking around at where they are, acknowledging that they are not god, but God is.

People always say, “I’m not very good at sabbath keeping, but I’m trying.” I don’t think it’s something that we “get good at.” It isn’t a skill to master. It isn’t a state to arrive at. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t practice. Coming closer to the beach, feeling the ocean air.

Have a great weekend. And as Paul said to Timothy,”Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.”

5 thoughts on “one week for one day.”

  1. Rich Dixon

    Maybe “what” or “how” don’t matter so much as “why,” especially to God. Perhaps if we begin there and really, clearly articulate for ourselves why we’re doing this, the what and how will become less of a task or burden.

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    1. Jon Swanson

      I agree, Rich, except. Sometimes if we do something, the why becomes clearer. So there is often a both/and.

      But clearly, when I know the who of something, the rest often becomes less of a task.

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  2. billhanifin

    Jon, here’s some encouragement in the topic. This week, I left on Monday for a 3 day business trip to the West Coast. I left my mobile phone by mistake in my car and was without a phone for 3 solid days until I returned home. Guess what? I survived! ha ha.

    We should pray to lose our fear of being “out of touch” and remember that we are in control of our devices and technology, not the other way around.

    Peace.

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    1. Jon Swanson

      But didn’t the world fall apart, Bill? I mean, didn’t I feel some shakiness during those three days?

      I love that prayer. And struggled this morning with walking into my home office with the computer off. It felt odd somehow. And that was a little scary.

      thanks

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