Joan Borysenko reminds us that each week has a cycle mirroring the cycle of the year, though in our busy-ness we have, for the most part, forgotten. (Pocketful of Miracles, p150) The Sabbath is the center or heart of the week and its hallmarks are rest and appreciation- awareness and gratitide for the gifts [that which we call] God showers upon us. In the Bible, God commands us to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.
I would like to add that each day also has a rythym and cycle mirroring the week's. Of the 16 to 18 hours most of us are not asleep of each 24 hour cycle, one or two could be devoted to relaxedly aknowlegding, with gratitude, the good in our lives or simply taking a nap, instead of that extra cup of coffee!
I have the luxury of enjoying, at least, a half hour of worship every weekday morning, and since I have invited my friends and neighbors to join me, I actually do it every day even if no one else shows up. I realize that this is not practical for most people- at least, in this culture where doing is so much more prized than being and we are constantly plugged into our computers, phones and MP3 players, or ever listening to radio or watching TV.
I invite you to uplug- or get away from all that, at work and at home, for all these gadgets mean that work follows us home and dogs us there as well. Take a minute, take five, or even a half hour. Find a place where you can be still, where it is quiet, or free from distracting noise. Maybe go for a walk, and simply enjoy your walking, or if you use a wheel chair, enjoy your roll! Notice the river of life around you, notice that you are alive and breathing. Enjoy your breathing- now there's a radical idea! Take time to thank the Boundless Source of all that is for what ever you can. AND let yourself smile. Give yourself the gift of a little Sabbath, each day as you are able.
God speaks to us, Spirit is constantly whispering in our ear, through nature, other human beings and even via songs on the radio! But when we are multi-tasking (which is occassionally unavaidable) or consumed by worries from our past and having our potential pain from the future, now, we cannot hear or understand. Sitting still or finding the stillness and silence within as we walk or sit, allows us to hear and to appreciate. It also allows us to rest, from the hubub around us. Plus 'banking' the stillness and silence, giving it a place to reside, and earn interest, so to speak, also allows us to perceice what God is wishing for us to know and do, or just be aware of, even amidst the busy-ness of life.
For my birthday about a month ago I asked for a chiming clock, the kind that chimes on the quarter hour. Lo and behold, that's what I got. Now, every 15 minutes a sweet gentle chiming can be heard in our house. When I can hear it, I stop and enjoy my breathing or say a little prayer of thanksgiving. When it chimes the hours, I can't help myself- all of its own accord a smile parts my lips and lifts my heart. This, of course, may not be your cup of tea. How might you accomplish something similar? How 'bout when the phone rings, instead of rushing to answer it, you stop for just 10 seconds and 'smell the roses' or just silently say thank you, or enjoy one full breath? What if every time you went to the rest room, you walked slowly, noticing that you have feet (or wheels) and were grateful? How would it feel to give yourself little mini Sabbaths throughout the day? What would it be like if people everywhere began observing a little Sabbath here, a little Sabbath there?
Time for a nap!
