In sixteen days, we are leaving on vacation. I’m sure you know the feeling. Weeks and months of being overwhelmed, over-worked and over-committed are about to give way to freedom and rest. My husband has been swamped with meetings, reports, travel and seminary studies. The kids have endured challenging school years and extracurricular commitments. But soon, we get to leave all that behind for a vacation.
When it comes to the need for rest, for a break or for some daylight, we can all identify with that. We circle the days on our calendars. We shop ahead of time so we’re prepared. We even take on extra work just so we can get everything in order before vacation.
Truth is, God invented vacations. He gave them a different name, though. He called them “Sabbath”. God intended for us to take a break from our routine one day out of every seven. He set the day apart and called it holy, and He gave it as a gift to us.
“See! For the Lord has given you the Sabbath.” Exodus 16:29
Since then we’ve overcomplicated it, made it a burden, misunderstood and misapplied it. Sabbath is a chance to come away, rest, recharge and reconnect with our Father. It won’t strain our budget. Our luggage won’t get lost, and it’s not dependent on perfect weather.
So… How long has it been since you’ve had a Sabbath?
How would things change if we recognized our need for Sabbath as deeply and as easily as we recognize our need for a vacation?
What if we approached it with that same sense of anticipation and longing?