Nana Gert, the grandmother of a dear friend, told me: “Traditionally, Jews celebrate Shabbat on evenings into Saturday, but at my age, I need a break – a Shabbat – more than once a week! So, whenever I’m tired, whether it be on a Friday or a Monday or a Wednesday, I just sit down and declare, ‘Shabbat? Why not!’”
For Christians and Jews alike, keeping the Sabbath holy is a commandment and a blessing from God. We have the power to claim Shabbat anytime. A physical break is easy. Go on a short walk. Do some stretches or take a few deep breaths. Sometimes an emotional break is about managing your expectations. Take a Shabbat from demanding perfection of yourself and those around you. Rest in the knowledge that we are all humans, doing the best we can. Shabbat can also mean taking a moment to mediate or pray. You don’t have to be in a church. It’s like charging your cellphone. You are simply taking a moment to access that which empowers you.
Honor God’s commandment to rest.
This message is excerpted from “Shabbat? Why not!” by Susan Sparks in the July/August 2022 Gather magazine. Today is the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost.
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