I loved this chapter! In fact, it has been my absolute favorite in the 7 book so far. The food and the clothing chapters both helped me to be mindful of how much we have and how much we eat. Existing on seven foods and with seven pieces of clothing for longer than a week with five kids is not sustainable for me (It wasn't for Hatmaker, either).
This chapter on stress, specifically on prayer and on keeping the Sabbath is a keeper. Hatmaker saved the best for last in my opinion. In the beginning of the chapter she discusses the need for the Sabbath and how keeping the Sabbath is not for God's benefit, but it is for our own. How often I forget that. I have Sunday down as a day of rest but I end up going grocery shopping or after church, coming in here to the office to create my schedule for the week, to grade reflections, to get a head start on the week's assignments. Then I wonder why I am exhausted on Monday!
Hatmaker lists Hebrews 4:9-11 "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience. (Heb. 4:9-11).
I know with every fiber of my being come Friday that my body needs rest. I also know with a look around me at every room in my house that on Saturday laundry needs to be done, along with dishes, and grocery shopping, and cleaning, and of course, some time to run and play and be free!!!!!
Come Sunday, it is time for rest; time for reflection; time for us to stop and take measure of the week He has blessed us with. Time to rest and be still and know that He is God. I have a canvas I bought several years ago that I keep above my desk in the office that says, "Be Still and Know That I Am God." When I am busy typing, reading, writing, researching, planning on the laptop I can look directly up and be reminded who I am in Christ, and who I serve.
Scripture says if we love God we will keep His commandments. Christ teaches us that every commandment was given because He loves us. Rest is a good thing. The older I get the more I am convinced that a nap, that a quiet walk, or a peaceful porch swing rest are just about as close to heaven as you can get on earth.
I want to rededicate in my life and in the life of my family the sacredness of the Sabbath. Please join me tomorrow as I share with you my journey through the different prayer times that Hatmaker suggests.
Sincerely,
Dawn
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