The skies were partly cloudy on a recent 90+ degree weekday. I decide to eat my lunch in the park across the alley from where I work. The park is a wonderful place for children’s voices to gather in play. Of course dogs bark, the birds sing and cars pass through on the way to something else. It’s a gorgeous day!
The sounds a stranger would hear if taking a noon Sabbath in this restful place might frighten. There is a town whistle that blows at 7 a.m. to wake, noon time to allow for rest and again at 6 p.m. to surrender the day. There is a chicken, yes just one, clucking so loudly in this neighborhood. (I see a sign that organic eggs are for sale. Weren’t the eggs always organic?) An owl calls out. Perhaps the noon whistle woke him up.
I complete my lunch feeling the gentle breeze and hear the leaves rustle. The pages of my book gently turn without my aid. Lunch has never been so satisfying. I’m completely blessed by this Sabbath time. Others may experience a different day of sounds and feelings, but for me, it’s been a Sabbath moment.
What is your noon Sabbath experience? Allow yourself to have one!
Churchwide executive board member Syd Brinkman enjoyed her noon Sabbath in Allison, Iowa.