Why You Should Practice The Sabbath Even If You're Not Religious
A time of rest and relaxation should make its way into everyone's week, regardless of religious affiliation
As a woman fairly new to a deep faith, I still resonate with lots of doubt in my daily life. This last Sunday, I decided to hit the next spot on my college "church search", an effort I've coined to find the perfect campus. I found myself at All People's in San Diego listening to an important message.
The pastor began to speak and introduced this idea of the Sabbath. I didn't know what to think. I knew what it was, I knew the essence, but I was intrigued to hear what he had to say. He began to speak about the historical significance. How after six days of hard work, God, the all-mighty, decided to REST.
What a beautiful idea, that the first-day man was on earth, his relationship with God was built on a foundation of rest. Even if you aren't extremely religious, it is important to recognize this. God's first bonding experience with us was through calm and all he asks is that we take time to come back to this place of stillness through him. The fourth of the ten commandments, Christians hold this to the same level as the other more well-known commandments. When we set aside Sundays for rest and reflection, we return back to this rhythm that our creator has forged for us.
So whether you believe the man behind it or not, I can guarantee that the sentiment is still applicable in your life. No matter how busy your life can get, you must remember that slowing down is just as necessary as excessive productivity. In fact, learning how to slow down is one of the most beautiful and vulnerable things one can learn how to do. So I urge you to plan a time of your week to sit back and reflect, no matter the means you use to do so. Return to your inner rhythm.
