Even when we do not seek theological understanding, our deepest theological understandings most often follow our feet (39). I believe it is to a generation of theological consumers such as myself whom Skillen writes for—well-meaning Christ followers tapping our feet to an abridged version of scripture that under-amplifies “the greatest commission of all” (53).
God gave us the Sabbath for our own good. As with other laws, when God gave this one, God wasn’t being a killjoy, or trying to set us back.
What do we mean by “vacation”? Is vacation about relaxation or adventure? What do we even mean by those terms? Does vacation really give you a break?
I have a lot of things going on in my life…perhaps you can relate? So when asked, “How are you doing?” my automatic answer came blurting out, “I’m so busy…”
I regularly came home from church and planned an afternoon with my family that included “mom time” – in other words, getting ready for classes on Monday. Of course, while working, I would feel appropriately guilty and tell myself, “I’ll plan better this coming week.”
Growing up after that experience, along with the many other Sabbatarian practices I witnessed in my youth, I began to feel like honoring Sunday was a bit of a guessing game. I didn’t know which activities made God angry and which ones didn’t.
Plenty of people have livelihoods that don’t follow strict schedules, but this doesn’t mean that finding true moments of Sabbath are impossible; in fact, it means that finding Sabbath is an invitation to be creative and purposeful with each day.