Sabbath-Seeking
By Ann Richards
Ann is on staff at Logos Productions, Inc. and is a member of Shepard of the Valley Lutheran Church in Apple Valley, MN.

When I look over the past week (or month or year!), I wonder, "Where has the time gone?" I didn't accomplish nearly as much as I wanted or even planned. I didn't relax as much as I needed. I didn't spend as much relational time as I feel is important. Did I grow as much as I want as a Christian or as a human being? Sometimes these feelings and acknowledgements overwhelm me. I feel that life is too busy and passing by too quickly. And I find that I need to sit back, and reflect on what I want to do… to become… to be…

What is important to me? What does God want for me to be? How does God want me to live as God's specially created and loved person?

Each of us is given the same amount of time in a day, a week, or a year. How we choose to use that time is up to us; usually because we make certain commitments to other people, like a family, or to a job, or to some other pursuits that are important to us.

But when do we set aside the time to reflect on what God wants for us? What really, in the whole realm of life, is important for me? I need to truly commit to a time to spend in this essential, life-giving reflection. I believe that is what the Sabbath is for. Maybe your 'Sabbath' doesn't happen on a Sunday; maybe your 'Sabbath' is another time of the week.

Along with the time, I usually need some guidance in my thoughts and my questions. Of course, I can turn to the Scriptures. But I can also use another's experience and suggestions. For this I need conversation, discussion, writings, artwork, and any other input that might help my reflection, my re-creation, my Sabbath time. Often, this can be found within a framework of education and worship time at church. Or I can spend quiet time in prayer and meditation at home or in the outdoors.

God speaks to me through many ways - people, books, the Scriptures, and often in a "still small voice". I just need to listen!

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