Over this extended weekend, I am leading a few day retreats for various leadership teams or church staff groups. Today (Saturday), I’m in Castro Valley. As part of my own time of solitude, silence and prayer, I read this word from Gerald May about Sabbath that has helped me:
“Sabbath was meant to be a day of spaciousness in form, time, and soul. It was to be an uncluttered day, a day not filled up, a day of rest and appreciation, a day of freedom just to be. Now, religious Sabbath is apt to feel like restriction rather than freedom, confinement rather than space. Instead of freedom from having to work, Sabbath came to mean not being allowed to work.” (Gerald May. The Awakened Heart. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1991, p. 95.)
I am still tend to be so productivity-oriented that I find it difficult to enjoy a “day of spaciousness.” But that’s just what Sabbath is meant to be for us–a gift of unhurried time and uncluttered space to be refreshed, a day to remember grace and express gratitude, a day that is more “you don’t have to” than “you cannot.”
Thanks for the Sabbath moments you brought to the staff these past few days. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope to be one of generation numbers Rick chatted about– haha!
Shawn Stutz, XRDS Pastor@BVG http://www.thewhiteboarder.com
Shawn…so enjoyed the treat of being with you and the rest of the BVG team. May you continue to enjoy the gift of God’s rest, and minister out of the richness of His grace. Hope to see you in Gen 16!
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