Remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy…. I’ve been reminded often lately of the commandment to keep holy the Sabbath. Not just a suggestion, or a good thought, but a commandment of God Almighty!
I’m home alone most of today, with those words echoing in my thoughts as I go about various low key activities. Blessed of course to begin the day spending some quiet time in my bedroom, praying my daily morning offering prayers, followed by holy Mass with my daughter and the little ones, always an adventure! Of course, donuts after Mass, and meeting new parishioners was another good part of our Church time 🙂
The words from the homily stuck with me today – the absolute necessity of daily prayer time! As the rest of the family was headed out for various adventures, I took out my journal and asked, what next?
I set my timer for 30 minutes and savored the words from tomorrow’s Gospel of Luke: “whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and the one who receives me receives the one who sent me.” Repeating these words over and over, my desire to receive the Father was strengthened. I want to welcome Him into my heart, into our home, into every aspect of our lives.
Keeping these words close to my heart, I made a phone call to my sister-in-law to plan a visit, a text to secure an overnight bed, took a walk outdoors on this beautiful day and prayed the Divine Mercy chaplet, followed by a nap!
Refreshed in body and spirit now, some time was spent on small household tasks, to help make life a little easier for this busy little family. Prepping some fruit as I listened to Christian music, sweeping up a bit around the front entrance with the music still on my phone in my back pocket, picking up a few of the odds and ends that are wanting to find a home 🙂 “Cleanliness is next to godliness” is a phrase I’ve heard all my life, and whenever I manage to tidy up a spot or create more order, I know it’s pleasing to God and helps us all on our path to holiness 🙂
It’s hot out today, so I sat down with a cool drink and did a little spiritual reading. Today was Renewal Ministries monthly newsletter about their mission to Uganda, and was truly inspiring and encouraging to hear of the faith of the people there. Ralph Martin’s sense that the “hour” of the church in Africa has arrived spoke to my heart, and reminded me of the blessings of our visit to Zimbabwe, where we visited our friends who were doing medical missionary work there. It also reminded me of my great niece’s mission work in Egypt now, and to pray for her and their family as they discern the next step hearing God’s call for a new location. This prompted me to spend a little more time lifting certain recent intentions to the Lord, knowing He hears and answers each one as only He truly knows best.
I was interrupted in thought by a text from our daughter in Canada – we had a phone date on the calendar for this afternoon, and she was checking to see if the timing was good! I had forgotten! But God hadn’t, and His timing was perfect! We had a short chat, and were blessed to remember the gift of growing up in our little family in the early years when we had no money and our recreation was focused on simple outdoor adventures: going to the park, walking in the woods, spotting glow in the dark mushrooms! We each spoke words of appreciation and encouragement, and especially gratitude for each other 🙂
Well, I just hung up and felt the next thing to do was to jot down these thoughts about keeping the Sabbath holy. So here I am, with peace in my heart and deep gratitude for the gift of a day to “be still, and know that You are God.” Indeed, Your gift of a Sabbath rest is essential to live a holy life that will bring blessing and healing to this fast-paced society we live in. May I keep the remainder of this day as a Day of the Lord, for His praise and Glory!
Thank you Lord, for Your commandment to keep holy the Sabbath. How much we need this time to slow down, connect with friends and family, and enjoy the beauty of Your creation! To gather for worship and prayer, receive Your Word, and seek to live it each day in gratitude for life itself, and all the blessings you provide. Be with me now as I listen and follow Your lead to whatever You desire of me next…
PS – “next” included playing in the sandbox with my grandson and helping with apple peeling and dinner dishes, all wrapped up in evening prayer. I feel like this is what is looks like for me to keep holy the Sabbath 🙂 Thank You Lord!
Spiritual Sun Pennies 