Cokesbury Kids Blog

Balancing home and work has taken on new meaning over the last several months as we learn our new norm of working online from home. Most of us were not used to working from home full time. We have had to carve out “workstations” in our personal space and figure out ways to minimize interruptions to stay focused on work. Time for rest and renewal is more important today, as we were not created to work every day.

Before the pandemic, we tried as much as possible to leave work behind when the workday was complete. Because we work in Children’s Ministries we brought home the sorting project that needed to get done, some reading or those thank you notes to our dedicated volunteers. We read in Scripture the importance of taking a Sabbath, our soul time.

Has your Sabbath soul time gotten lost, as our home and work life has merged together?

What steps are you taking to dive into Scripture? Reflect on Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” Name the steps you are taking.

Having a struggle naming ways?

It takes patience, dedication, and a willingness to make Sabbath a priority. It takes effort to turn off that “clutter” in our brain, to turn off the “noise” from cell phones, computers, and other distractions. You need a plan to shape and incorporate Sabbath into your week.  

Soul care is experienced differently for each of us… it is a personal spiritual expression and connection with God. There is no right or wrong way. We just have to make time for it and follow through!

Ask yourself to think through this question. How is my time of Sabbath going to look and feel different from the other times in my workweek? Write down your thoughts. It helps to better understand the meaning of Sabbath by researching the history of Sabbath.

• How many times is it referenced in the Bible? 
• Is there one Scripture that speaks to you? 
• Spend time pondering ways you can stop work and experience God.
• What might your new rhythm look like?

Need some help carving out some simple practical steps to help slowly train our minds and bodies to slow down and connect with our Creator? Use these ideas!

• Take a walk and think like a child and experience that sense of wonder and awe of God’s creation. Did you stop and smell the flower, watch the ant cross the sidewalk or marvel at the spider web?
• Be in nature – What do you hear? 
• Pray the Psalms.
• Look through family photos.
• Start a gratitude journal.
• Plan Radom Acts of Kindness.  
• Unplug!
• Fill your home with worship music – play it loud, play it soft, light a candle…
• Watch a sunrise or sunset.
• Listen to the rain or a thunderstorm.
• Slow down and take note of God sightings.
• Sit quietly--feel and listen to your heart beating, be mindful of each breath as you inhale and exhale.
• Practice Yoga/Meditation.
• Take a nap and not feel guilty about it.

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine your daily life with this new rhythm of Sabbath. Be gentle with yourself: start with small steps, a few hours of Sabbath, and work towards a full day. Over time you will find you have created a new healthy, rewarding rhythm with one that unites you with God. Happy Sabbath!