I have trouble with Sabbath rest.
Due to the privilege of enjoying my work, it’s often hard to stop.
When I do stop, I gravitate toward entertainment: movies, outings, golf — each a definite change of pace from work.
The “Ping-Pong ball” doesn’t stop, but bounces back and forth between work and play. That’s me.
Sabbath rest just seems slippery. I’m a naturally motivated person. I like to achieve, attain, acquire, conquer, develop — these are active verbs. Not exactly the ingredients of rest.
I like reading. But theology? Philosophy? That’s my job. Spy novels? That’s entertainment.
There goes the Ping-Pong ball again, back and forth, never at rest.
***
OK, maybe I’m not completely helpless. Here are three ideas:
1. Devotional reading. Reading that feeds the soul. Two authors I enjoy are Henri Nouwen and Eugene Peterson.
2. Prayer and a nap, followed by yard work.
3. A leisurely hike. Maybe with golf clubs in hand . . . uhh, I’m conflicted about this.
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This past year I memorized Psalm 1. Here the wise person meditates on God’s law day and night and becomes like a tree planted by streams of water. That sounds restful.
How do you take Sabbath rest?
