Sabbath: Part Two

Oh, this book is good. It's due back to the library next week, so I'm hurrying to finish it. But getting a copy for myself is imperative. I'll be reading this one again.

I've read about the daily rhythms of nature -- resting each day, each week, each year. Nature rests.

"Sabbath requires surrender. If we only stop when we are finished with all our work, we will never stop -- because our work is never completely don. With every accomplishment there arises a new responsibility. Every swept floor invites another sweeping, every child bathed invites another bathing. If we refuse rest until we are finished, we will never rest until we die. Sabbath dissolves the artificial urgency of our days, because it liberates us from the need to be finished."

Doesn't that feel good?

It would feel good more than once a week, I imagine. 

"When we stop, we see that the world continues without us; sweet humility and gentle mindfulness bequeath the grace to stop, and see that it is good, there is no need to keep pushing. When we stop, with no chores or agenda, we let our eyes rest, our bodies heal, our activities languish, and taste the fruits of our labor, as the Psalmist invites us: Be still, and know."

Have you noticed how things kind-of come into focus when you stop and rest for awhile? Things fall naturally into perspective. Priorities automatically line up in order, as they should. We realize what is important right now. In the moment.

Stop and realize.