Sabbath Time

My dog 'Sabbath' has lived up to her name. Six years ago, to the delight of my children (especially my younger son), I agreed that we could get a pet dog. Actually my husband had spoken about it for years but as the family's 'housekeeper' I had my own views about the terrible mess that I would have to deal with and so on. How would I be able to pick up after a pet? I already had enough trouble (with no maid) picking up after three untidy guys at home! Anyway, somehow, at that point I must have mellowed. I laid aside my reservations and went to the pet shop with my younger son to choose a puppy. We 'fell in love' with a Miniature Schnauzer puppy, went home and told the others. Well, a week later the decision was made and we went to pick up the seven week old female puppy.

Her name was actually chosen by me. At that time, I was reading a book "Sabbath Time" by Tilden Edwards of the Shalem Institute of Contemplative spiritual formation. I was challenged by what I read, for I had never taken the Sabbath seriously. Sundays were spent in church - yet it was often a time for ministry. A busy morning; the afternoon and evening spent at home -a nap perhaps, but with some chores to do and a visit to the local 'pasar malam'. It wasn't really official 'work' but it still was not truly restful. And many Christians I speak to have also not developed a Sabbath discipline to counter the drivenness of our culture.

Actually, for some, the habit of Sabbath time may not be fully realized on a Sunday. Even for me at this time in my life, it is not possible to be free from all chores on Sunday. So I have to be creative and give myself times of rest and refreshment when I can find the time. Since I have stopped working regular hours, my schedule is flexible enough to take half day breaks during the week. Those are my mini -sabbaths. And my dog has been a reminder of the wonderful gift of just 'be-ing'. After the first couple of years when she was very mischievous, and would get into all sorts of trouble, she settled down. She now lies quietly at my feet when I am at the computer, or when I am praying or in the kitchen, patiently waiting until I am done, and then following me to the next place. She is just be-ing and more so, being herself and trusting her place in my heart. Sabbath time means those special moments when I can just 'be', when I can truly affirm that my value does not lie in what I produce, but in my belovedness in God's eyes. It is good to know that even in our rest, we are held in God's loving gaze and approval.