Open Journal on the Sabbath

This morning I went to church early with my friends Emily & Trey. They are on the worship team and I left early with them for moral support! It was the perfect time to journal and reflect. Here's what was running through my mind:

Jan. 24, 2016

Answering the question: Why am I here, at the Barn (our church is called the Barn), for church at 8:30 a.m.?

Responding to the question: I am here to know and understand my role in this faith community. I am here early to begin a journey of respecting and upholding the Sabbath. In faith, I am finally putting aside this personal struggle of doing super productive things in order to dwell in the majesty of the day of rest. 

This might seem silly- or it might resonate with your feelings exactly, but I have a hard time not working. I have this nearly constant drive to have every living moment of my life to be productive. This mindset, at the capacity I maintain it, makes it difficult to rest ant take a break. Unless that break is doing something else productive (like going for a workout or doing laundry).

But here's the deal. A few weeks ago, I felt convicted about keeping the Sabbath holy. My "rest day" was just a catch-up, do everything you can to advance/get-ahead-and-work-as-hard-as-possible day. This was tuckering me out! So, when God placed on my heart that my time was being allocated everything but Him, I knew I needed to reset. 

As I slowly discover what it means to keep the Sabbath holy, I hope to find the Peace & Rest that comes from abiding in the Word and the Living Spirit of God.

So what does it mean to keep the Sabbath holy this week in your life? How are you making time for God to reside within you and work through you? 

I also would love to recommend "Holy Spirit, Living Breath God" to listen to. It is a great song that speaks to me! 

Love as always,

Melissa xoxo