May 29: Insight Post by Rachel Cleveland
Friday Insight Post
by Rachel Cleveland
Remember when the pandemic was starting, before we knew what it was going to become? When it felt like a mini vacation from real life? Those first few weeks or months, while somewhat unknown and maybe even scary, also felt simpler. Most people were in their homes, having dinner with their people; the daily commute was gone, the daily grind felt softer, and we were all trying to simply make it through. In that season, our lives were stripped down to the most basic things. We returned to the simple things that brought us joy, like music, art, good food, a good conversation, puzzles, games, puppy cuddles, and park visits. And the whole world took this sabbatical from “real life” for just a little while.
Then the world went back to “normal” and we had to decide what we wanted to allow back into our lives, what level of busy did we want to return to. And if I’m being honest, I was way too busy before and I actually wanted to keep some of the slower, softer practices I had started to incorporate into my daily life throughout those pandemic years. I wanted an updated, but simpler version of my old life. One of the things I kept from those simple days was a practice of Sabbath. When I think of simple living, I think of rest and the flow of life we were created to have, which from the very beginning has always included a Sabbath.
Before I started practicing Sabbath, even having grown up in the church, I didn’t actually know a lot about it. From all my research there aren’t strict rules on the length of time, it is about the intention you set with it. I knew it meant to take a break, to find rest, and in the strictest traditions to do nothing physically taxing for an entire day. Sabbath can be an hour, it can be a half day, it can be a whole 24 hours. What I knew I needed then and know I still need now, is a break from the crazy world we live in. Everything could be going well and I still need rest, I still need a break, I still need a day or two of simple living to recharge.
Sabbath is where you quiet distractions like screens or “noise” of the world. You focus your heart and mind on what you have, on heavenly things like Colossians 3:1-2 reminds us, and not dwell on what you don’t have. You find the space to connect with your Heavenly Father. To remember His goodness toward you, and to prepare your heart, mind, and spirit for the week or days ahead. You practice gratitude. You simplify. You rest. You reset.
THAT is Sabbath. THAT is the return to the simple life.
Rachel Cleveland
Worship Team Volunteer
New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org