In her book “Reclaiming Rest: The Promise of Sabbath, Solitude, and Stillness in a Restless World,” author Kate Rademacher shares her journey of trying to “keep the Sabbath.” It is funny to me that in an age when there is a huge public debate on whether or not we should post the 10 commandments in schools and other public places, there seems to be very little public talk of actually “keeping Sabbath”, which remains in the 10 commandments.

The book gives a “Quick Start Guide to Keeping Sabbath.” I’m going to list Rademacher’s list of “quick starts” with my own commentary.

1. Reflect on What Counts as Work for You—and What Doesn’t
If you are a chef, then “cooking” is work for you, but for me, “cooking” is a relaxing way to unwind. I enjoy getting my hands dirty in the garden but my husband experiences yard work as a chore. So each person and family may carve out what feels restful and restorative for them. What is “life giving” and what is “life taking” for you?

2. Turn Off Your Devices and Put Them Away
Many years ago, during Lent, our family gave up “TV”. We always remember that as a time of joy and relaxation. Today, we are even more bombarded by our phones, iPads, and laptops. Rather than giving up screens altogether, some of us could simply store our devices away from our dinner tables and family rooms.

3. Celebrate and Enjoy Your Body
This morning at the gym, the woman on the treadmill told me that she takes the weekend off from exercise. Sometimes it can be nice to take a walk, not because we “need more steps” but just to enjoy strolling to the park with a friend. Naps can be part of Sabbath!  How do we truly relax?

4. Decide When and for How Long You Will Observe the Sabbath
The Jews celebrated Sabbath from Sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday.  Christians moved this to Sunday to recall Jesus rising on the third day. What matters is not the day nor the clock but the practice. It may not be realistic to take a full 24 hours off each week. But maybe two afternoons a week can be reserved for “sabbath”?

5. Find a Sabbath Buddy
Do you have a friend or family member who would practice Sabbath with you?

6. Model Rest for our Kids
Rademacher claims that for many families, life is a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle with 600 pieces. It feels impossible. What can we do in the schedule of life to carve out space for our kids to experience the wonder of rest, play, renewal?

7. Fight for the Right to Rest
Last summer, I told the story of my son refusing to do his homework on our family Sabbath which was “Saturday.” Another mom in the church said she didn’t think her son was listening, but now he uses that as an excuse to not do his homework. All of us – adults and kids – need firm boundaries between the Sabbath rest that renews and the work that is aimed at achievement.

Grace and Peace,

Carla