This has always been a struggle for me - ever since first coming into the light of the Sabbath....Even after 21 years (I am sad to admit), I still don't have it right! Thank you God for not giving up on me! I want the Sabbath Day to be different for my family. I want my family to look forward to the Sabbath. I want us to enjoy this day, draw close to God, rest and have some fun in doing so! I feel like it is always a struggle...wake up Sabbath morning - stress trying to get up and get me and the kids ready for church...rush, rush, rush...get to church - usually enjoying the whole time there...then we leave...most of the time we eat at a restaurant or go through drive through...get home, maybe rest a little bit - sometimes head off to another church meeting for the little ones - which is always enjoyable :) but it's the in between's...the beginning of the Sabbath - I don't notably start the Sabbath...we don't usually watch something Sabbath appropriate - I do not spend enough time in Bible Study...I don't have a great routine set up for my children on ways to enjoy this day. I let things come up with friends and family that interfere with me keeping the Sabbath...things that can be avoided or put off.
I have been reading this morning on ways to keep the Sabbath - to keep it Holy - to keep it Interesting...What should we be focusing on...How can we truly enjoy this time?
Some initial findings -
What is the purpose for the Sabbath? The Sabbath is a time for us to remember our Creator...It is a time for rest from work, a time to put all of our daily stresses away. It is a time for us to spend extra time in Bible Study and contemplating spiritual things.
How can we remember our Creator on the Sabbath? One obvious way is to take a walk in nature - the very thing God created for us to enjoy! Take a picnic - which I always WANT to do but fail to prepare for! Go on a bike ride...study the story of creation - let the kids watch stories regarding nature and animals from time to time.
How can I make sure we are all resting as we should be? We can take a family nap - which we have been known to do - more of this is welcome to me for sure! I need to make sure my friends and family understand I am observing the Sabbath and will need to be kind but firm in this stance. Carefully decide what type of activities we will engage in during Sabbath from Sundown to Sundown...
What activities should we avoid? Whenever possible - going out to eat at restaurants should be avoided. Heavy house chores and other labor should be avoided when possible. Watching tv shows and movies that draw away from God should always be avoided. Idle chatter - things that don't mean anything or draw us away from God should be avoided. This time should be used to truly dig into a deeper relationship with Christ. To prepare us for End Times...to look forward to Christ's Return! Participating in secular events should be avoided!
I will be taking some time today and tomorrow to PLAN for my upcoming Sabbath - preparation is Key! I want it to be something we look forward to! Lord, please help me to make the Sabbath a Delight for myself and my family!!!
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