27 Apr 2011
Time Off
I had a great day today. We took the day off and went for a family day. We went for a walk on a boardwalk to a pretty Island and then visited a place called Grindewald where I gave the boys a game of mini golf while Leeanne took Sophie and our visitor to the jumping pillow.
My daughter Maddi is on the Uluru Pilgrimage and she is studiously avoiding letting us know how she is going.. I think she enjoys the chance for a bit of independence. I was pleased to see a photo of her on the official blog lining up for a sandwich, so at least we know she’s alive…..
Today has reminded me just how important it is to have days off, and for me how important it is to spend time with my family.
I enjoyed teaching the book of Nehemiah in South Africa, and at the moment I am reading through the first 5 books of the bible. One of the strong themes that comes through in both of them is the importance of the Sabbath.
The word Sabbath sounds so religious, but it actually means simply “day off”.
I’ve written a few articles about Sabbath, but today I experienced again the importance of the idea.
As I have pointed out before, as I quoted Eugene Peterson, Sabbath is a practical demonstration of faith. By taking a day off you are saying with your actions that the world doesn’t revolve around you. You are acknowledging with your choices that there is someone else in control.
Conversely if you can’t take time off, you have put yourself where God belongs, at the centre of your life.
I’m looking forward to having more time off, and having a couple of weeks off in the middle of the year.
How do you go with Sabbath?
thanx for the challenge Matt ” if you can’t take time off, you have put yourself where God belongs, at the centre of your life.” At times I think I will have to remember this…..I desire to acknowledge more with my choices that there is Someone else in control.
Jenny Murphy
April 27th, 2011 at 10:56 pmpermalink