Sabbath Year

So one of the things that Marcia (our YAV program director) has been talking to us about is the idea of a Sabbath year. We've been talking and reading about the idea that The Sabbath shouldn't just be an antiquated, legalistic Old Testament idea-- but rather a spiritual practice that we regularly incorporate into our lives (After all, it's on the same list as Do Not Kill... so why don't we take it just as seriously??)

We've been opening our eyes and looking at the Sabbath in different ways -- not just abstaining from all work on Sunday. Maybe just protecting 1 day to refrain from stuff we're told we "should" be doing (ie: chores), or refrain from materialistic consumption 1 specific day, or, in respect for God's creation, refrain from using personal cars 1 day a week [not quite as applicable for us this year], or refrain from the TV, or the blackberry... Different ways to take our own Sabbaths 1 day each week (ideally). This makes it -for me- seem WAY less overwhelming than refraining from all things for one whole day.

But why??
A) God tells us to (Exodus 20:8-11, Exodus 23:12-13, Leviticus 25:1-23)
B) Newsflash: The world will not fall apart if we take a break. Heck, even God could take a Sabbath break without stuff falling apart! (Gen 2:1-3) We need to get over ourselves- Sorry friends, but we're just not as important as we think...
C) When I look back at my life when I'm 80, I don't want to remember it as a demanding, hectic blur of work.
D) It's a bodily way to reflect that we see life/ work/ creation different than mainstream culture dictates. Fight the man!

So we're talking about making this year a sort of Sabbath year-- A break from the 'normal' paces of our lives-- and ultimately a time to rest and reflect on what God's doing in our lives as a way to figure out what comes next.

Will God love us less if we don't Sabbath? Heck no, But will we love life more if we do? I'm beginning to think yes...

Just some food for thought. Thanks for reading, world.
bendiciones, juli

"Days pass, years vanish, and we walk sightless among miracles..."

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gently and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
- Matthew 11:28-29