As I've been reading through the book Breathe with my Mops group, I've been thinking about the Sabbath. Yes, it is listed in the 10 Commandments, but the New Testament as says in Colossians 2:16-17 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. "What does the Sabbath mean for a Christian? Are we to observe it by more than going to church? Shall it be as any other day to those in Christ? Should we celebrate it at all? Do we need that day of rest?
For a few years, Sweetheart and I chose not to spend money on the Sabbath. We went to church, but did not shop, or eat out on Sundays. Over time, that idea slipped away and it has become more like another Saturday, but with church in the mornings.
I'd like it to be different. Breathe definitely suggests that it should be so. I've been wondering; what does a day look like that is set aside for the Lord? Since I don't work outside the home, my days all look pretty much the same. It's nice that Sweetheart's home on Saturday & Sunday, but he's usually busy with projects and things he can't do during the week. Therefore, whatever I do I need to plan on just being for Pumpkin and I at this time.
I've decided to arrange the week so that I'm not doing chores on Sundays. I even put dinner in the Crockpot last Saturday. I also decided that I'd keep the computer off on Sundays. I think this is a good idea. I was reminded while on the computer checking my email that I was planning to keep the computer off. Oops! Later, I needed a recipe I only had on-line for something I wanted to make that evening. Hmm...
But what about baking for fun? What about working in the garden, if I enjoy it? I chose to still clean up after myself and do the dishes. It's strange.
I'd really like other ladies' ideas on this. Do you keep the Sabbath? What does that mean to you? What helps you to keep your focus on Him?
For a few years, Sweetheart and I chose not to spend money on the Sabbath. We went to church, but did not shop, or eat out on Sundays. Over time, that idea slipped away and it has become more like another Saturday, but with church in the mornings.
I'd like it to be different. Breathe definitely suggests that it should be so. I've been wondering; what does a day look like that is set aside for the Lord? Since I don't work outside the home, my days all look pretty much the same. It's nice that Sweetheart's home on Saturday & Sunday, but he's usually busy with projects and things he can't do during the week. Therefore, whatever I do I need to plan on just being for Pumpkin and I at this time.
I've decided to arrange the week so that I'm not doing chores on Sundays. I even put dinner in the Crockpot last Saturday. I also decided that I'd keep the computer off on Sundays. I think this is a good idea. I was reminded while on the computer checking my email that I was planning to keep the computer off. Oops! Later, I needed a recipe I only had on-line for something I wanted to make that evening. Hmm...
But what about baking for fun? What about working in the garden, if I enjoy it? I chose to still clean up after myself and do the dishes. It's strange.
I'd really like other ladies' ideas on this. Do you keep the Sabbath? What does that mean to you? What helps you to keep your focus on Him?
9 comments:
I have struggled with this question through the years, too.
I TRY not to have to do chores on Sunday. Some things can't be avoided (like dishes).
However, there are some things I enjoy doing that seem just right for Sundays, like light gardening, polishing silver, baking (because I do enjoy baking), etc.
I remember that God made the Sabbath for man and He is to be foremast in our mind. When I do the above, I'm thinking of Him and thanking Him!
Yes, I try to keep the Sabbath. I want it to be different from any other day like it was as a child. My family didn't shop, do homework, or work on Sundays. We went to church, and did fun family things that we didn't do on other days.
Another great book (I'll be checking out the one you mentioned) is by Mark Buchanan: The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring the Sabbath. A great book. I read it all the way through the first time and have been wanting to go back and read it again more slowly in order to incorporate some of the ideas.
Yes, let's get together soon. Next week is spring break for my kids and my sister's baby is due, but maybe the week after?
I've been thinking about the same question, Kimberly. I try not to buy things on Sunday, or at least not go on a huge shopping trip! I like your idea of keeping the computer off on that day though. You have given me some things to think about!
Kelli
We are "Sabbath keepers"... (although some would argue that Saturday is the Sabbath... okay, so we honor the Lord's Day...) We don't shop or eat out on Sundays, but we don't know very many other people who do this. Even other Christians seem to find it kinda strange that we would have an objection to going to a restaurant for Sunday dinner. My husband and I both grew up this way, so I am just in the habit of making a crockpot meal that is ready when we get home from church. We've found that we NEED this day of rest... so we try to do our part to provide it for those who "have" to work on Sunday by not doing business on Sunday. We figure if everyone would stay home on Sunday, then a lot of those who "have" to work could, too. (At least those in the food service and retail businesses...)
Obviously, by "bucking the system" we have put a lot of thought into whether it's worth it or not. For us, it is.
I think the best thing you could do is ask your husband what he thinks...and go with that.
Unfortunately, the only thing we do to make the Sabbath holy is go to church. Since we work doing the week, the only days we have open for house cleaning and errand running are Saturdays and Sundays. I would love to make Sunday a family time for the both of us to reflect on God's word together, but "stuff" gets in the way. I hate that it happens like that, but it does.
The Lord has really been leading my husband and I in this particular area. I "try" to have any tasks, homemaking or otherwise, done by Saturday. If not, they will have to wait til Monday. Read Isahiah 58, it really impacted me in this area. However, we must remember that we are each in different seasons of our lives with different lessons to learn. Therefore, the Lord will lead us as "is best for us." So, I may be lead to one thing, while you another. No confusion there! I'm not good at being still, quiet,and listening - so I take Sunday to rest and be still. I believe the Lord made us, so He also made the Sabbath for us. If He rested, why should not I? For us, it is about making the day "different" from any other. We are enjoying starting new traditions, and our friends are even enjoying them with us! Oh, I too keep the computer off on the Sabbath, no tv(we dont have it so it's no problem!) no purchasing - life stops to think of Him! This is truly a blessing to us and we are learning much from it. I encourage you to seek Him in all that you do - and do not feel guilty for where He does or does not lead you. May you be blessed with His peace as He continues to lead you on your journey. Press on!!!
Thank you ladies for your comments.
I ended up looking up a few things on the computer that I had needed to find that day & at the end of the day checked email & read for about 5 minutes.
I've decided that I'll probably forgo reading on Sundays as well, as I can spend a lot of time reading and not focusing on Him. The exceptions will be devotional/theological studies as well as family reading times. We'll see. That would be a big change for me.
As for as Sweetheart's thoughts-he doesn't really wish to change anything himself. I will not nag on this, but quietly do what I feel led to do.
I'll really need to better prepare this Saturday for the Sabbath, instead of just trying to wing it. (I spent way too much time on dinner!)
Please continue to share the journey and comment.
I am so glad this question has been addressed.I am a new Christian.(Since Aug.2005)and I am a stay at home mom.I try too keep up on chores so Sundays are work free.Latley I`ve even been making a meal earlier in the week and freezing it for Sunday.I try to spend The Lords Day trying to educate myself by going on different websights that have biblical topics.
I think Sundays should be a time for family,fellowship with other Christians,and marinating ourselves in the word of God.
However,we are all in different seasons of our lives,and the Holy Spirit leads all of us diferently.
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