Years ago in October, when my grandson Braden was nine, he taught me a new color and a new word.
The sunset was spectacular. Unlike any I’d ever seen. The sun was huge at the center of abundant color that spanned the whole western sky. So, we spoke in whispers into the sacred silence. “Braden, what color is that? “Oh, that’s porange. You know, pink and orange.”
We were quiet. And the world was quiet.
And the huge, fluorescent porange ball floated down through gray-blue sky until it finally sank into the black tree-lined horizon. This holy moment reminded me of sabbath rest, real soul rest.
Did you know the Jewish Sabbath begins at sunset Friday and ends at sunset on Saturday? Jesus grew up observing this invitation to slow down, stop, and enter God’s rest. What if our daily rhythm is backwards? What if tomorrow started tonight? What if, instead of going to bed with a head full of worry, we start a new day? This bedtime routine helps me. An hour or so before bedtime, I disconnect from screens. I find a quiet space away from phone, TV, computer, and people. Separated from noise, I center in. I slow my brain and breathe deep. Sometimes I read. Sometimes I pray. Sometimes all I can do is whisper Jesus’ name. This nightly rhythm of rest is good for mind, spirit, and body. When we’re exhausted, it’s easy for worry or stress to overwhelm us. So, we intentionally interrupt our thoughts and center them on our truest source of peace. When noise, demands, and distractions are gone ~ there’s just you and Jesus. Wrapped in His compassion, you have courage to review the day ~ to see where you rocked it and where it rocked you. Soaking in grace, God reminds you that you’re doing better than you think. You are human. You are held. You are forgiven. And it’s a brand new day. So then when the sun rises, before our heads even leave the pillow, we hold on to this Rest. Even though the world didn’t stop its frantic pace. And all our problems aren’t erased. But staying in God’s presence, we rise above it all. Because we know that when the world is loud, our God is not silent. From sunset to sunset, our Creator invites us to watch and listen for the sacred to descend. And we stand in awe. Hushed in holy moments. “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace … Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” ~ Jesus, in Matthew 11:28-30 ☮💗 Book News: 📚 My book, Uncover Your Divine Design is reaching hearts far & wide!! From Alaska to Canada to Florida & everywhere in between! Do you know someone who wants to heal unhealthy mindsets and thrive in his or her divine design? On my publisher’s site, you can still read the 1st chapter of my book for free! How cool is that? 😎 |
Leave a Reply