Sab-bath, (1-a) the seventh day of the week observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening as a day of rest and worship by Jews and some Christians. (b) Sunday observed among Christians as a day of rest and worship. (2): a time of rest. (Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary)

My memories of the Sabbath involve not only going to church but also a lot of nap taking. Mama and Papa are strong believers in the healing powers of "nap time." This is such a strong tradition and ritual in our family that I find that I am always fighting the urge to yawn at 2:00 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon. It is a rhythm. It is rest time. It is Sabbath. Taking that nap is a comfort, but it is a luxury that I cannot always afford.

Or does Sabbath mean something entirely different to you? I have one friend who remembers the time when she was young. She tells about how the preacher used to come and eat the noon meal with the family after worship. It was called "Sunday Dinner." Amy says that they usually had fried chicken when the preacher came. It was a real occasion. The preacher, Sunday dinner, white tablecloths and napkins, fried chicken and all the family. Mama has told similar stories so that must have been common in the Southern USA. That kind of meal and those kinds of stories obviously bring renewal to those who are remembering them as well as to those of us who are listening!

But what would happen if we do not have any memories or meaning of Sabbath? Or, what if we are unable to have rest or have no experience of worship? What happens if we do not pay attention to our need for that particular day, experience, or time in our life? By not having that rest or sharing in community of worship do we burn up and out? What happens to our physical, emotional, mental, social, intellectual, and spiritual energy? I have paid the price for not honoring that ritual of sacred rest and worship for my own self. "Burning the candle at both ends" it is called. And, I do not think that I am the only one who needs to be careful of keeping life as simple as possible. Sabbath helps us to create healthy boundaries.

Early Christians bring us stories of Jesus and healing on the Sabbath…. which leads us to ways of thinking and caring about others as well as ourselves. This thinking takes us to the positive power of healing all of our hurts. Sabbath is not only resting but is also renewal. This leads us to the discussion of healing. Or, at least it brings healing/renewal to our attention so that we may ponder the thought.

I sincerely hope that this issue of EcuMiniNet™ Online! offers insights as well as raises questions in all of us about the nature of Sabbath, where we are in relationship with that rhythm, and it's potential for meaning and renewal. I also hope that you will take an "EcuMiniNet-sabbatical" and enjoy the wonderful photography, which is shared by our staff and contributors. Nature is the art that refreshes our souls as well as our bodies and minds.

I will continue to pray for blessings on your perspective and wherever and whenever it is that you celebrate your particular time for sacred rest.

Janine C. Hagan, Editor-in-Chief

<<Back to Archive

View for Printing

Contributors
Staff
Advertising
Internships

Send this Page to a Friend

Add Me to Mailing List