Sabbath: A Sacred Pause for Renewal

In our fast-paced, always-connected world, the concept of Sabbath is more essential than ever. For our group, taking a week off from gatherings is an intentional practice of rest, rejuvenation, and reconnection with what truly matters. This period, infused with the spirit of “Selah”, invites us to pause, reflect, and breathe deeply into the rhythms of grace.

Family: Embracing Togetherness

The Sabbath is a time to strengthen our bonds with family and loved ones. It's a time dedicated to shared meals, heartfelt conversations, and quality time. By stepping away from our usual routines, we create space to listen, to laugh, and to love more fully. This togetherness is a reflection of God's design for community, where relationships are nurtured and deepened.

Rest: Finding Peace in Stillness

Rest is at the heart of the Sabbath. It's a deliberate choice to cease from our labours and to rest in God's presence. This week, we invite you to unplug from the demands of work, the noise of social media, and the hustle of daily life. We allow ourselves to slow down, to sleep in on a Sunday, to take leisurely walks, and to simply be. In this rest, we find restoration for our bodies, minds, and spirits.

Selah: A Pause for Reflection

“Selah”, a term from the Psalms, signifies a pause for contemplation. During this Sabbath week, we embrace Selah as an opportunity to reflect on our journey with God and with each other. It's a time to meditate on Scripture, to pray, and to listen for God's voice. This pause helps us gain perspective, renew our purpose, and align our hearts with God's will for us as individuals, as part of a family and part of a community.

Practical Steps for Observing Sabbath

1. Set Boundaries: Clearly define the boundaries of this Sabbath week. Boundaries are healthy when they serve us, and serve the purposes that we have set for each season.
2. Plan Together: Involve your family and/or friends in planning activities that foster connection and relaxation. This could include cooking a meal together, meeting for a coffee, playing games, or going on a nature outing.
3. Unplug: this is just an idea, but consider the possibility of reducing screen time and digital distractions. Use this time to engage in analog activities like reading, journaling, or crafting.
4. Embrace Silence: Allow moments of silence and solitude to permeate your week. Use this time for prayer, meditation, and listening to God's whisper. This is a favourite of mine, and it has been extremely helpful and inspiring.
5. Reflect Daily: Set aside a few minutes each day for personal or family reflection. Share insights, express gratitude, and seek God's guidance. Communal times of thanksgiving, sharing and prayers can be exactly what our hearts and spirits need.

By observing the Sabbath in this modern, practical way, we honour the ancient tradition while making it relevant to our contemporary lives. This week of family, rest, and Selah becomes a transformative experience, drawing us closer to each other and to God.