Remember...

Remember the Sabbath day...

Exodus 20:8a

 

Unlike my parents' era, or even mine, my daughters and the 20-somethings they are surrounded with operate in a world where work defines who and what you are, and money is the all-important endgame.  Long working hours, day after day after day, insures that you are on the fast track to whatever defines success in your field of expertise.  My lawyer daughter revealed to me the other day that one of her friends as had only one day off since January 1.  He has worked seven days a week, 14+ hours a day, for over two months.  It is not uncommon for the young lawyers of my daughter's acquaintance to work until the wee hours of the morning, grab a couple hours of sleep, and go straight back at it.  First one in the office and last to turn out the light.  Talk about a rat race!

God knew that the human body could not stand that kind of stress over a long period of time, so He created a "Sabbath" - a day to set work aside and rest.  Don't work it, don't think it, don't talk it - just relax.  Setting all religious significance aside, the simple act of taking a break of one day in seven allows the mind to unwind and the body to regenerate.  No work at home, no telecommuting, no NOTHING!  Just peace, relaxation, and rest.

I have been a Sabbath keeper most of my life, and it is one of my greatest blessings.  It is a time for me to reconnect with my family, spend time with my cat, count the blessings of God, take a walk in the outdoors, read a good book, and physically rest my body.  I enjoy both of my jobs and cherish an active lifestyle, but I will not let anything come between me and my Sabbath rest.