Productivity and Sabbath Rest

I conducted an experiment yesterday. It was prompted by the continual pleadings, and example, of my sweet wife. And also by a tremendous chapter I read while in Brazil -- from the book I've mentioned before in this blog -- Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton.

This particular chapter I read was on Sabbath rest. Excellent stuff. Here are a few quotes:

"The heart of sabbath is that we cease our work so that we can rest and delight in God and God's good gifts."

"After seven days without rest, we are at risk of becoming dangerously tired."

Ruth provides some great questions to guide us in how to take a rest:

"What activities will I refuse to engage in so that it is truly a day of rest, worship and delight?

"What activities bring me delight, and how will I incorporate them?"

After reading this chapter, I was finally convinced -- I needed to establish a regular time of rest. No "To Do" lists. Instead, I need to do what replenishes me (which for me is reading and hanging out at the house with my family).

So, I tried it yesterday. The experiment of taking a Sabbath rest. After a very busy, productive Saturday of cleaning the garage, trimming the hedges and changing light bulbs, it was time to take a day off. I decided that I would not work at all on Sunday -- until around 8 P.M., when I would get ready for work the next day.

After getting home from church and lunch with our children, I settled on the bed with Susan -- reading the paper and taking a long nap. Then I woke up around 3 P.M. and found myself feeling very restless. I thought, "Five more hours until I can work again! What will I "do" for the next five hours? Just lie around, read and not accomplish anything?" The words of my friend, Albert Acosta, come to mind: "It takes a lot of faith to take a day off." But yesterday afternoon, I could barely handle five hours of unproductivity.

What is it about us humans that we feel better about ourselves when we are accomplishing something? Being productive in itself isn't wrong. We need to work, avoid slothfulness, and be a responsible person and citizen. It takes a lot of activity to keep up with all the tasks that surround us -- mowing lawns, washing clothes, cooking meals, fixing appliances and cars, cleaning the house. And there is great joy in work -- which is why I believe that work is a gift from God. And why so many people go crazy when they're forced to retire (I don't want to retire -- maybe slow down a bit, but never fully retire).

Do I have such a difficult time slowing down and cease working because my self-esteem is based on how much I accomplish? And let me take this a bit deeper: Am I so intent on keeping busy because unconsciously I believe that God accepts me because of all that I do for Him?

I realize that the Bible teaches that Jesus is our Sabbath rest, as we read in the book of Hebrews. Ray Steadman says, “the true sabbath is to cease from your own labors, your own efforts, your own activity; to cease from your own works. The implication is that you cease from your own efforts and depend on the work of Another. That is the whole import of the book of Hebrews, another One is going to work through you. This is why Paul cries, "Not I, but Christ. I no longer live, but Christ lives in me," (cf, Gal 2:20).

While I'm convinced in the depths of my soul that it is not my activites and work that earns my salvation and keeps me in the love of God, I still have such a hard time resting. But I'm going to keep trying. To disengage from productivity and entrust to God all the things I "need" to do. Perhaps the best thing I could do is get away from the house. Go with Susan to a park (when it's cooler) or Starbucks. Head to a bookstore. Whatever I do, I know it's vital that I cease from work on a regular (weekly) basis in order to allow the Lord to replenish my mind, body and soul.

I'd like to hear how you practice Sabbath rest and deal with those challenges I face of not wanting to slow down?

Jim