in search of the sabbath

Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

-Exodus 20:8 (the Message) 

In Hebrew, Sabbath or Shabbat שַׁבָּת means to cease, or to rest.  

I woke this morning to balmy breezes. Well balmy for Minnesota anyway. I felt the change the moment I opened my eyes. I rolled out of bed, pulled on my robe & stumbled out into the kitchen where I poured myself a cup of black coffee. The sun poured into my dining room window & beckoned me outside. I drew my robe tighter, pulled the door open & padded barefoot out onto my patio. Sinking into the closest Adirondack chair, I drew my legs up to my chest, wrapped my fingers tightly around my coffee cup & breathed deeply.

I can't remember the last time I had a moment like this.  

My life, like many of those around me, clips along at breakneck speed. I struggle each & every day to say NO more, to deliberately invest in my relationships, to do things that really matter. I'm doing better. But I'm just not quite where I want to be. Not yet. 

Recently, a dear friend of mine treated me to a session of Holy Yoga (a). As I settled onto my mat & attempted  to meditate on the names of God, I realized  a couple of things about myself. 

First of all. I never breathe deeply. Ever. 

Secondly, I do not know how to relax. My body fought against resting my muscles--I literally couldn't allow myself to relax my shoulders enough for them to touch the floor. & my mind? Oh. My. Goodness. It was a real struggle to empty it of all the things that clutter it up & completely focus on Jesus. True rest is a concept I don't understand. I mean, I've had times when we've been away from 'real life' that I have been able to mostly rest. But to really spend time in the presence of Jesus in peace, in the quiet. It has been rare. & it is... uncomfortable. 

This morning as I sat quietly on my patio, eyes closed & listening to the birds, I welcomed the sabbath. No striving... complete cessation... peaceful rest. 

In that rare & precious moment I found my soul singing... 

Jesus, name above all names
Beautiful Savior, Glorious Lord
Immanuel, God is with us
Blessed Redeemer, Living Word
Jesus, name above all names
Beautiful Savior, Glorious Lord
Immanuel, God is with us
Blessed Redeemer, Living Word
Jesus, name above all names
Beautiful Savior, Glorious Lord
Immanuel, God is with us
Blessed Redeemer, Living Word
Jesus, name above all names
Beautiful Savior, Glorious Lord
Immanuel, God is with us
Blessed Redeemer, Living Word
Read more at http://www.lyrics.com/jesus-name-above-all-names-lyrics-the-maranatha-singers.html#s0oGMUv3PTRp80uM.99

Jesus, name above all names
Beautiful Savior, Glorious Lord
Immanuel, God is with us
Blessed Redeemer, Living Word
Jesus, name above all names
Beautiful Savior, Glorious Lord
Immanuel, God is with us
Blessed Redeemer, Living Word
Jesus, name above all names
Beautiful Savior, Glorious Lord
Immanuel, God is with us
Blessed Redeemer, Living Word
Jesus, name above all names
Beautiful Savior, Glorious Lord
Immanuel, God is with us
Blessed Redeemer, Living Word
Read more at http://www.lyrics.com/jesus-name-above-all-names-lyrics-the-maranatha-singers.html#s0oGMUv3PTRp80uM.99

Jesus, name above all names
Beautiful Savior, Glorious Lord
Emmanuel, God is with us
Blessed redeemer, Living Word
You are my wonderful God
You are my wonderful Lord
Lord, You are more precious than silver
Lord, You are more costly than gold
Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds
And nothing I desire compares with you

"I want a lifetime of holy moments. 

Every day I want to be in dangerous proximity to Jesus. 

I long for a life that explodes with meaning and is filled with adventure, wonder, risk, and danger. 

I long for a faith that is gloriously treacherous. 

I want to be with Jesus, not knowing whether to cry or laugh." 

-Mike Yaconelli 

(Dangerous Wonder: The Adventure of Childlike Faith) 

a. Holy Yoga is an experiential worship created to deepen people's connection to Christ. https://holyyoga.net/