Empty Days

Friday and Saturday are my RDOs. Saturdays are generally filled with “family work” like fixing/cleaning things around the house, grocery shopping with my wife (our old person’s date!) and paying bills. There is also the work I do for my side business and often some sort of preparation for Sunday’s church service. But Friday...Friday is supposed to be my day off. I say supposed to be my day off because I’m not real good at days off. Friday has often been a catch up day for all the stuff I “should do” or “need to do”. I have tried to “compromise” and “just do a little” or “work at my leisure”, but I found what May Sarton said to be true. I found my psyche (or my soul) was not resting and that definitely takes a toll over time. There is a HUGE difference between a working day off and a day with no expectations to produce anything. 
   
My pastor (who is also my boss) has talked to me about this idea. He reminded me that remembering the Sabbath is literally one of the 10 Commandments. In Hebrew culture, the Sabbath was not just about “going to church”. There was definitely an emphasis on the Lord’s day and honoring Him, but there was also a requirement of physical rest from all work. It was later explained that the sabbath was created for man, not man for the sabbath. It wasn’t about following a rule for the sake of rule following, it was about understanding the principle that the human body was created with a need for rest. It seems, on our own, we are often slow in figuring this out, so Somebody had to tell us!
   
Each week I pray for your safety on the job and favor with the community you serve. This week, I am praying for your regular days off. May you find the peace and refreshment that comes only by setting aside a day of rest without the expectation of producing anything. 
   
Your service is appreciated,
Pastor Rob