Sabbath

I recently re-listened to a great sermon on Sabbath. The speaker (Rob Bell) talked about the things sabbath is and isn't, about developing a rhythm of life. I was struck this time by a statement he made that went something like, "Sabbath is about doing the things that bring life."

I'm taking Sabbath today, in my own way.

I slept in. 8:00 might not seem like sleeping in, but it's an extra hour and a half from what I get on work-days, and means that I was in bed (mostly) asleep for nearly 8 1/2 hours.

Read a novel for a bit when I woke up.

Headed out into the living room, and lit candles. Popped Jason Upton in the stereo, and read scripture and talked with Jesus for a while.

Spent an hour catching up on my budgeting. (This may not seem life giving to the rest of the world either, but it's been hanging over my head for a week, and it feels great to be able to cross it off my list).

Making a list for the day. I know, most of the world doesn't find lists life-giving either, but I like to see what's on the agenda.

Chatted with my roommate about our respective plans for the day.

Going to make some breakfast here, soon.

The rest of the day has things like shopping (there are items I want/need that can only be purchased at certain locations in the city - special bath salts etc.) I'm going to buy some art supplies for an upcoming event I'm hosting. I'm going to buy a curtain to close off our laundry room and make our house look a bit nicer. I'm on the hunt for the perfect frame for a beautiful photograph of Lake Minnewanka that I recently purchased. I'm going to buy candles.

Later on I'm going to talk on the phone with a dear friend, and possibly go and hear Brian McLaren speak (my roommate just told me about that one this morning... don't have the details yet).

I think I'll probably cook something nice.

I'm going to burn incense.

I'm going to do a bit of cleaning.

I'm going to rest, and hang with Jesus as I do all these other things.