Life to the Full: Sabbath

What is human? Some say its currently the highest stage of evolution, an accidental product of chance and matter. Others say human means an intelligently designed mix of soul, spirit and body.

I would say what makes a human a human are days off.

I worked 45 days straight this summer. Truth is, working forty-five days in a row without a break is miserable. I found myself generally discontent, hopeless, fatigued and disenchanted with all things. After just a few weeks, motivating myself to do anything became hard.

I didn't have time to rest; I didn't have a time to do what refreshes me, and feeds the inner core of my being. In my do, do, do I temporarily lost my humanity. And the results were horrible. We were created in the image of a God who delights in creating and doing, but also in resting.

The creation account of Genesis demonstrates this. For a period of time God created and then, he rested. Humanity is invited to the same; given the ability to create and to dream, and strive and work hard, but then given the gift of rest. This concept is Sabbath. A "day off" to rest, replenish, and rejuvenate. Author Rob Bell calls it a chance to "escape becoming a human doing, and re-become a human being."

I think humans need to rediscover the concept of Sabbath. We live in an age where our work and rest are seemingly indistinguishable. Our scheming, planning, and working is harder and harder to separate from our times of refreshment and reboot. Sabbath is intentional, planned, and valued; a time designed for you to be refilled by doing things you love, being around those you love, enjoying the fruits of your labor and being at peace.

Regardless of your view of the Bible, I want to invite you to think sabbatically. Diligently doing and creating, planning and being strategic but also finding intentional time to enjoy this life, the beauty, joy and peace that is found here and now.