Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” Mark 2: 27-28

There are many scriptures that are debated about, and this is definitely one of them.

One of the areas of our life has been instituting a sabbath day within our week. More out of conviction, and almost need. Moving from Pasadena Maryland to Orrstown Pennsylvania, changed many things. More than just the soil we were tending and now are.

We’ve been told we had many tributaries flowing off that three acre farm in Pasadena Maryland. And to be honest, as wonderful as it was, with the many people coming and going, experiencing all that property had to offer; from agriculture, music, and beautiful fellowship, it all took its toll on us. Would we choose to do it again, if we knew then what we know now? Probably, but it would have been done differently. This truly is not a negative statement, but one that shows growth and learning.

The community around Pasadena didn’t feel like a sabbath. There was always something happening. The tighter the community, the closer to all the pulls to do this and that. Not all bad, but it’s still focus redirected and energy spent.

Enter the community around Orrstown Pennsylvania. The biggest indicators this area is different, is two things. First was a phone call I made on a Sunday. We called our Amish friends for some help moving a clawfoot tub out of the upstairs bathroom. He said he would love to help, but not on Sunday as it’s the Sabbath, but he and his crew, construction crew, will be at the house in the early morning Monday to help. They were there, I wasn’t needed, and it was perfect.

Christy Joy and I had talked about taking a Sabbath before, but never took the leap. This was the push we needed to step into a Sabbath day. So pretty much, from that day on, we have structured our Sunday’s around being a Sabbath Day of rest. No, it’s not perfect. Sometimes “other” chores get done, but for the most part, we chill. Only essential work really gets done without question. Livestock care, dishes, rare occasions laundry. We are not legalistic about it, but it is important to us. I look forward to it. It has been refreshing. It has helped my faith in Jesus, in allowing things still to get done in the six days, and I am less stressed.

Choosing to rest is a step out in faith. Jesus has been faithful. We are not legalistic about it, but we do try and keep guardrails around us, as it’s easy to just “do” a little chore, which turns into a slippery slope.

So, to rest, or not to rest. If you choose to rest, how might it help your life? How might Jesus reveal Himself in a new way?