This week, I’ve been reviewing Keri Wyatt Kent’s new book, Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicities.
Today was the first opportunity we had to try out some of the things I learned in Keri’s book. You would think that the topic of Sabbath is pretty simple: on the seventh day, rest. But something about that just isn’t as easy as it seems. One thing Keri talked about in the book was the idea of the discipline of rest. Taking time away from the computer, TV, phone and other distractions actually takes discipline. Avoiding the laundry, the to-do list, the grocery store–takes discipline. You might be thinking, “oh, I hate those things! Of course I avoid them!” Well, so do I. But they hang over me, and they “should” me to death, so if I am actually resting, I hear the laundry calling me from the second floor….”You SHOULD throw in a load, it will only take a second.”

So to take the time to say no to everything except loving God and loving my family really is a discipline. Today, Dave and I compromised on the all-day thing. We cleaned up the house this morning and then decided we would start our Sabbath at church. After church, we had a simple lunch, everyone took naps, and we headed out to Belle Isle with the kids. What a beautiful day to do nothing but enjoy God’s creation. And tonight, when we tucked the kids into bed, they were so content. I think we had actually filled them up today, with food and time and conversation and uninterrupted love. What a great Sabbath. Over the next few days, I’ll share a few more thoughts, and if you want to share with me, please do!