These summer days lengthen.  Here in the north we cherish these long days and the further north the longer they linger.  The first crop of hay has been baled. The blueberries and raspberries will be ripening soon.  The earth is producing its abundance. 

The gift of Sabbath rest and remembrance is in the setting aside of time for noticing what is going on around us – and within us.  To cease activity, productivity, even creativity for a moment and simply receive the gift of our human being, this is the promise of Sabbath.  And in these summer days there is much that is being given.  The humming birds at the new feeder.  The careful garter snake sunning on the driveway.  The sail boats leaving the marina.  The beating of the heart.

Sabbath rest, it turns out, is simple, but not so easy.  To rest in simple being is to open to the creative, redemptive and sanctifying activity of God – which is all gift.  Sabbath rest is taking time to notice the life that is before us in each moment; and in these lengthening days of summer there is much to see, to smell, to touch, to taste.  Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.

Peace,

Pastor Lee Goodwin +