I was born in New England in the early 1940's. My parents, who were poor first generation Americans, had barely managed to survive the Great Depression. They taught me the virtues of hard work and frugality. These values, collectively known as the Puritan or Protestant Work Ethic, resulted in society's emphasis on the value of productivity and an accompanying de-emphasis on the value of rest. That mind-set continues to be prevalent today.

In an attempt to understand what God was trying to tell me about this commandment, I picked up a couple of books which you might find helpful also. The first was Sabbath Time by Tilden Edwards, and a second book called Sabbath by Wayne Muller. I recommend both books. They are easy reads and are filled with advice about how to go about setting aside one day a week (not necessarily Saturday or Sunday) to focus on rest and worship.

A primary concept stressed by both authors is that defining a Sabbath Day relieves us of the necessity of being finished with other things before we are allowed to rest. The truth is that, in our society, there is ALWAYS more to do. We are never finished. And so we never rest our bodies, at least not without being consumed with guilt.

Another main point made by both of these learned men is that God speaks to us all the time, but we don't hear God because we are too busy. Letting go of household chores and work we've carried home from the office allows us the opportunity to see God at work in nature and in our families and friends. We are more easily able to hear God's voice when we set time aside to read the Bible or other devotional literature. Committing a 24-hour period each week to rest, relaxation, meditation, and appreciating God's gifts is as important for our physical health as is proper diet and exercise. It is critical for our emotional and spiritual health.

Dear God,

Please help me to practice Sabbath-keeping so that I might rest my body and more easily hear your voice.

Amen