Sabbath Rest

“In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength. But you refused." (Isa 30.15b)

         I've noticed a theme in a variety of recent unrelated incidents: an emailed algorithm-derived book recommendation suggesting that one day a week should be entirely screen-free, a snail-mail flyer for a yoga retreat, a social media advert promising to take care of all my health issues by learning how to meditate (at a significant cost, mind!), overheard conversations on the "trend" of breathing deeply to improve sleep. The theme is undeniable: rest!

            The underlying concern that this suggests to me is that society has forgotten how to do just that -we've turned away from the practice of rest, and have even lost the language. We now are expected to pay significant sums and commit much of our time to (re-)learn how to do what should come simply - and naturally - to us. Our days are busy, our calendars are jam-packed (mine's colour-coded). Our weekends are for catching up on chores (and just-one-more work email!), and we plan our 'vacation' time to maximize our pre-conceived goals and objectives.

            So what about rest? Given how we plan and over-plan our lives, it's no wonder we've dropped the ball on resting. We have forgotten to keep the sabbath.

            Sabbath, of course, is not merely a day off or a square on the calendar, it's not a legalistic demand to be counted in days and hours. Sabbath is a holy time, an intentional commitment to "pray and play", to reconnect with God and with our true selves. It is the restorative rest that brings us home.

            Sabbath encourages us to embrace exactly who we are, rather than trying to fit into a societal mold. It makes us crave the deep breath not just of oxygen, but of the spiritual grace that God continually showers upon us. It provides a grounding not just of the body to the earth, but of one of God's creatures celebrating the multitude of connections with the rest of God's creation. It rejuvenates our souls to be the joy-filled and light-hearted centre of the human that is called to live out a holy ministry.

            Sabbath, as Christians understand it, is a great gift that we are invited to delight in; even in the world of non-stop news and events and gatherings. It can happen any time we wish, when we recognise our disconnection from the source of all love, and make the commitment to desire to return.

            "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience." (Heb 4.9-11)

Season of Creation

            We are currently in the Season of Creation; a delightful (and recently designated) time in the liturgical calendar when we are invited to be especially mindful of God's great creation around us. This is easy when we're observing a stunning sunset or listening to the waves on the beach; less so when we're sitting out a hurricane or feeling that annoying bite of a mosquito.

            In the past few weeks, I've entered many conversations where people have admitted feeling disconnected or out of touch, where they have sensed a general malaise within. They are feeling untethered. I suggest that this is (at least partly) as we have disconnected ourselves from the natural world around us; the creation into which God loved us into being.

            Society tries to provide solutions, meditation classes and spiritual workshops. While I am not opposed to whatever feeds the soul, I believe the solution can be much easier (and less costly!)

            When we are feeling at odds with the world around us, it is time to intentionally re-engage: to be awed by God's creation. Grounding ourselves within creation can be as long-term as we like; we don't all have to go mountain climbing or trekking through rainforests (though those both sound ideal to me!) It can be an act as simple as taking a moment to acknowledge the leaves changing colour in your neighbourhood, or listening to the birdsong in the morning. It can be deeply breathing the scent of the earth after a rainfall, or pausing as you feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. God's creation is all around, and always inviting us into awestruck wonder, praise, and thanksgiving.

            Psalm 24 reminds us that the Earth is the Lord's - and all that is in it. This includes US. We are made as a part of the creation, an integral and integrated part; this season of creation encourages us to prayerfully remember where we belong.

Prayers for the Candidates

Screenshot of https://www.elections.ca/content2.aspx?section=can&document=index&lang=e

            It feels like we just went through this time of year: a slight chill in the breeze, the threat/promise of Pumpkin Spice Everything, the eagerness of getting ready to wear boots again...

            And, as per normal every 4 years or so, the shade of the political posturing.

            Despite the federal election being called just days ago, the campaigning has begun.

            I, for one, tend to look forward to times such as these. As a political animal, with a degree in Political Science, I'm quite keen for folks to develop and present platforms on issues and concerns to the people.  I sit prepared, aiming for an open heart and mind, for the door-to-door visits where I can raise my carefully crafted questions around issues of justice (not of the penal code variety) and goodwill for all. I track polls, I watch the results with my election buddy (oh, the commentary!)... I am an engaged citizen in the electoral process. My vote matters!

            Yet... this election, even in the infancy of the campaign, we're seeing some serious mud-slinging. There's trash-talking on all sides; there are personal attacks and snide remarks and cruel intentions... and it appears that it will continue on this low-road of a path for the duration of the campaign.

            So what's a church-going, God-loving, Christ-following person to do?
            We pray.

            Not to get our own ways, or to have our preferred candidate win. Not to have "our" Party dig up more dirt on "their" Party; not to hope for a faux-pas in a debate, not for any ill-wlll.

            But we pray with thanksgiving for a democratic society that allows for every citizen (of age) to vote. We express gratitude for civil discourse on difficult topics. We recognise the personal challenges that every candidate is undergoing, and the hardships on their families; so we ask for God to bless all of the candidates, all of their families and friends, their staff, their neighbours. We ask for travelling mercies for the campaign trail.

            And we pray that the will of God will be reflected in the votes of the people. We pray for our country, for responsible citizenship, and for an election: "Lord, keep this nation under your care. Bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth. Help us elect trustworthy leaders, contribute to wise decisions for the general welfare, and thus serve you faithfully in our generation to the honour of your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord." (BAS, 678)

A Powerhouse of Positivity

            I have a friend who is always a joy to be around. She sees the best in people and situations. (Even an impending hurricane is, for her, an opportunity for extended uninterrupted family time!) She finds ways to be grateful, as well as inspiring others to be grateful as well. She is a powerhouse of positivity, and lives life with thankful heart.

            Her attitude is not just surface level; so often we see people forcing themselves to smile through pain or present a happy face because it's what other people expect. She has known sad days, painful days, distressing days - as everyone has. But throughout the challenge, she sees opportunity to seek joy. She relies on God, family, and friends, to weather the storms, to learn from them, and to flourish as a result. 

            This is the kind of friend who can help put things into perspective: I benefit immensely from chatting with her. She's a great listener, and responds with empathy. "I'm sorry that happened" can be a wonderful affirmation of my frustration; an "are you okay" an extension of care I may not even realise I need. She lifts others up and encourages a continuation of care and concern - and of gratitude.

            This is a friend who will reach out with hugs, texts of support, and a listening ear. She is the kind of friend to have a coffee with in a difficult week. She's the kind to chat with over a beer in the pub to celebrate good news. She's the type to pray with when making a decision.

            She's the kind of friend that I am grateful to have. She's the kind of friend I aspire to be. I thank God for her - and for all of my friends - who celebrate life with this attitude. What a gift for us all to focus on all the gifts that God has given.