The Sabbath Day
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Exodus 20:8
In the last weeks, my toddler has been going through sleep regression. Previously quick to fall asleep, lately he quietly plays in his bed for increasingly longer times, while also waking earlier. The room is dark, lavender fills the air, and sleep sounds all come together for what should be an ideal sleeping environment.
Recently, he didn’t take an afternoon nap, and all the sleep loss showed up in the most tired, frustrated kid. I knew what I was really dealing with was lack of rest. That night, he finally went to bed earlier and slept well, waking up as the delightful child he actually is. It was a reminder for me: we need rest. We all do. Even Yahweh rested from his work on the Sabbath.
Our culture pushes us to DO so much. We wear countless hats and have endless to-do lists. Technology prompts us to be more and more efficient, which sometimes translates to endless doing. But I saw in a little child what no rest can do to you. Please take the time you need to truly rest. Who you truly are needs that so much! It may be sleep, alone time, or a coffee date with a friend. Maybe it’s getting a baby-sitter, taking off work, or setting the list aside. I promise you that Yahweh made no mistake telling us to remember rest. It’s a holy thing that could slip right through our hands. Rest will bring clarity, patience, and inspiration. Remember it today!