By Brenda Jank
Sabbath Rest in the 21st century begins with honoring the Commandment and its Creator. We took a look at the first 3 “Codes of Honor” in posts found on August 20, 27 and September 3, 2024. We will continue here with #4.
#4 Honor Others
We are a generation with no model, method, nor mentors in the arena of Sabbath Rest. It’s foreign territory – mysterious and unexplored. Be a pioneer. Take the path less traveled. Place a priority and create an atmosphere in your home where Sabbath Rest is a community commitment – welcomed and honored as a day of devotion and delight. Start with 2 hours, 4, 6. Anticipate it. Talk about it. Enjoy every moment.
Others will take note.
Be kind to yourselves. No negative talk or shame allowed. Most people need training wheels and short rides as they begin their Sabbath Rest journey, whether it takes place on Saturday, Sunday, or any other day of the week. Make this time slot a treasured priority, and begin in that space.
Your weekly commitment to a rhythm of work and rest might be what God uses to ignite a hunger in others for this rhythm made in heaven.
If you live under the same roof with others, we have to remember that everyone is refreshed in unique ways. What works for you, may not work for them. Find a rhythm of time together and time where people are free to be apart.
Along the way, people you love may be reluctant Sabbath Keepers. Love them still the same. No guilt. No shame. Ruth Bell Graham used to say of her husband, “It’s my job to love Billy, it’s God’s job to change him.”
If we flip that coin, we also need to encourage a boundary that other’s honor our time for Sabbath Rest. It may be a matter of much prayer.
And what about children! Sabbath Rest with children takes creativity, innovation, and teamwork – the rewards will last a lifetime.
Our job? Run hard. Give it all you’ve got. And (oh the power of “and”) set apart time this week to let out a deep sigh and rest in a way that delights your soul and honors your Father.
Rest well.
Fully.
Deeply.
Guilt-free.
Fall 2024 Event Dates
Are you tired of being tired? Is your team? Your pastor? Your friends? We have 6 opportunities for you to take part in A Rest That Works this October in Northeast Indiana. Join us! We would love to have you. Events vary in cost depending on the amount of sponsorship we were able to secure.
Friday, October 11 in Ft. Wayne, Indiana
9:00 – 11:15 AM Ministry Event
1:00 – 3:15 PM Community Event
Thursday, October 17 in Albion, Indiana . . . . . Community Event
9:00 – 11:00 AM Community Event
1:30 – 3:30 PM Community Event
Tuesday, October 29 in Ft. Wayne, Indiana . . . . . Community and Ministry Event
9:00 – 11:30 Community Event
1:00 – 3:30 Ministry Event
Learn More and Register here
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Note: This post is Post #14 of our original series on Rest, Rhythm, and Restoration. We are reposting some of our favorite articles because we believe they’re just as important today as ever. We hope you’re challenged to think of rest in a fresh, new way and that you will cast the vision and invite others to join in on this life-giving journey.
Brenda Jank and the Run Hard. Rest Well team are thought leaders in the arena of Restorative Wellness. Find additional resources at www.RunHardRestWell.org. Contact us at: brenda@runhardrestwell.org