The Result of Busy: The Reason for Sabbath

Where have I been for the past several months? I often ask myself the same question. The answer is "I have been busy." Perhaps I have been busier than every before in my life.  Extra demands at work have been the primary pressure, but I have an added one this Spring as well: it is nearly May and I am still going to the YMCA every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (OK, not every week do I get to all three, but I go go every week).  As I ponder the semester behind since I have 8 days of class left before exams I wonder what has happened.

But more than assess what caused the busy, today I finally have a thought on what the busy caused. Being overly busy results in a lack of creativity, yes, the artistic side of the brain that needs the appropriate atmosphere to actually ignite and explode.  Busy shuts out the time for creativity.

Why is that important?  Well, as part of God's creation we are called to be part of the creative process.  The lack of mental space prevents creative time.  So, why Sabbath?  Those familiar with my phrase "I heart LA" know that one prominent reason to Sabbath is so that we feed our legalistic side of self.  I didn't say it was a proper reason, only a prominent one!

One proper reasons to Sabbath is so that we can be an active part of God's creative effort in his universe.  Creativity is often related to inspiration, the life breathing activity of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in this physical world to which we are bound.

So, Sabbath for a reason.  See your creativity explode!

The Urgent Need for Rest

GO, go, Go, then go some more.  That seems to be the theme of our culture.  Coupled with SPEND, spend, Spend some more, and don't be afraid to use that credit card, this culture is at risk of two Catastrophic problems.  First, bad decisions and Second, horrific consequences to those bad decisions.

Rush, rush, rush.  Pass laws without reading or debating.  Negative criticism against those who "impede progress." What happened to the day of rest??

I must admit that the first 25 days of January have been a rush from one moment to the next.  My plans for today–I have none.  I only have this morning, this afternoon, and this evening.  I choose to blog at this hour, cook breakfast earlier, walk the dog later, nap or wash dishes??  Who knows what today holds, for today is a day for REST.

As I ponder these last 25 days I see only a blur with an occasional clearing.  Activities engaged in, people met with, classes taught, reports turned in.  Yet none of these provided ongoing, energetic motivation for the next day.  The famous words, "let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die" are words of hopelessness.  Hopelessness about the future breeds the rushing, get all you can today mentality.

So why a day of Rest?  To demonstrate to yourself that activities come and activities go, but activities do not fulfill nor do they endure. When all is said and all is done, life is only about the people you love and serve, and about those who lovingly serve you.

Get off the accelerator!!  Slow down, put your life in park, and enjoy the beauty that is around you.