I fell apart 4 1/2 years ago. I hit a wall and became very depressed. As I struggled with depression I sought the help of leaders in my church, the medical community and professional counseling. As I was on the journey to health (I've been mostly depression free for over a year now) I discovered the the lost concept of the Sabbath. When I say lost, I mean it has been a lost concept in the Evangelical churches I've grown up in even though it is clearly one of the 10 commandments. Even now, as an Associate Pastor, I know only a handful of people who actually observe any form of the Sabbath.
As I seek to understand the how's and what's of the Sabbath in the digital age I also am looking for the why's. Here's one that I came across today. In his book "The Church of Facebook", Jesse Rice says, "We cannot live intentionally without being mindful of- aware of, in touch with- our thoughts, feelings and actions."
Today I am home with 3 of our 5 children and we are celebrating the Sabbath. Much of my morning was spent in reflection and prayer as I simply felt emotional pain. It's been a difficult week working with broken people and it's really caused me to realize some things about myself. I didn't realize until this morning the extent of my negative emotions. Sure, I knew I was fatigued but I haven't had time to just think and feel. Sabbath allowed me time out, time to get centered, time to feel, time to heal and time to be with God and experience his grace filled, loving touch. Sabbath allowed me to become aware of and in touch with my thoughts and feelings.
I am forever grateful for God's gift of Sabbath. It has been a huge part of my emotional, spiritual and mental healing and growth. I hope to be able to share with more and more people the gift that is right before us.
As I seek to understand the how's and what's of the Sabbath in the digital age I also am looking for the why's. Here's one that I came across today. In his book "The Church of Facebook", Jesse Rice says, "We cannot live intentionally without being mindful of- aware of, in touch with- our thoughts, feelings and actions."
Today I am home with 3 of our 5 children and we are celebrating the Sabbath. Much of my morning was spent in reflection and prayer as I simply felt emotional pain. It's been a difficult week working with broken people and it's really caused me to realize some things about myself. I didn't realize until this morning the extent of my negative emotions. Sure, I knew I was fatigued but I haven't had time to just think and feel. Sabbath allowed me time out, time to get centered, time to feel, time to heal and time to be with God and experience his grace filled, loving touch. Sabbath allowed me to become aware of and in touch with my thoughts and feelings.
I am forever grateful for God's gift of Sabbath. It has been a huge part of my emotional, spiritual and mental healing and growth. I hope to be able to share with more and more people the gift that is right before us.
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