(Note: These are actually Cliff notes for Kevin, but I have a feeling you might enjoy learning as well. I hope it challenges you like it has me)
So this book seemed quite appropriate to be reading this year. Thanks a lot, Pete, for the recommendation. I'm only about halfway through it, but already I've gained a huge amount of perspective and affirmation about what we are doing this year as a family by faithfully observing the commandment of Sabbath. Here are some of my favorite thoughts so far.
*Sabbath rest is entered when we refuse to be bound by complexity or drowned by despair. We enter delight only as we gaze equally and simultaneously at creation and redemption, in spite of the darkness that surround us and constantly clamors to be truer than God.
*Sabbath rest is not an option; it's a commandment.
*Sabbath is a holy time where we feast, dance, play, have sex, sing, pray, laugh, tell stories, read, paint, walk, and watch creation in its fullness. Few people are willing to enter the Sabbath and sanctify it , to make it holy, because a full day of delight and joy is more than most people can bear in a lifetime, let alone a week.
*Sabbath is not about time off or a break in routine. It is not a minivacation to give us a respite so we are better prepared to go back to work. The Sabbath is far more than a diversion; it is meant to be an encounter with God's delight.
*We often fail to create a day of delight because to do so compels us to stand against the division, destitution, and despair that often holds us captive the other six days of the week.
*We would rather settle for distraction than open our hearts to what seems beyond out wildest dreams.
*We are driven because work brings us power and pride that dulls our deeper desire for delight.
*The core of delight is out capacity to worship, to create and enter beauty as a reminder and anticipation of God's goodness.
*Worship is knowing that transforms us because we can barely take in the beauty, let alone speak to the Creator and hope to be heard. To say, "thank you, thank you for including me in this moment," and then to hear the Creator say in return, "no, thank you for joining me in this glory, for celebrating with me my glory" is the truest essence of Sabbath.
*The only parameter that is to guide our Sabbath is delight.
*Delight requires the courage to be attentive, intentional and diligent. It will not happen without planning and preparation.
Is that plenty to think about for now? That was only the first 2 chapters! More to come.
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