Why I Love Shabbat (the Sabbath)

For the past few months, I have been observing Shabbat (more or less). The one thing I really love about it is the commandment not to do any work. I don't know about you, but I always feel like I have a million and one compelling things to do. And when I'm not doing the myriad very compelling things, I am busy thinking about them. It's exhausting.

Now, by observing Shabbat, I have a physical and mental vacation every Saturday. (Well, I still think, so my mind is not totally vacant. But as much as possible, I don't think about work.) I love being able to rest and read and take walks and daydream without the pressing demands of the world and time on my shoulders. Shabbat is a safe space for me, and I am usually a bit wistful when it is over.

Observing Shabbat, or any of the other commandments, will not save me in one sense. ("For I am not ashamed of the Good News, since it is God's powerful means of bringing salvation to everyone who keeps on trusting, to the Jew especially, but equally to the Gentile." ~Romans 1:16*) But, in another sense, observing Shabbat does save me--from running myself ragged and all of the discouragement and unhealthy thinking that goes along with not giving myself a time to rest.

I hope you have a restful Sabbath, and experience the spiritual renewal and refreshment that comes along with it. Shabbat Shalom!

"If you call the sabbath 'delight,'
The LORD's holy day 'honored';
And if you honor it and go not your ways
Nor look to your affairs, nor strike bargains--
Then you can seek the favor of the LORD.
I will set you astride the heights of the earth,
And let you enjoy the heritage of your father Jacob."
~Isaiah 58:13-14 (JPS version)

*From the Complete Jewish Bible translation by David H. Stern.