It's Thursday night, which means I'm getting in my last bit of computer time for the next 24-36 hours. Those of you who know me will remember that when I returned from Sabbatical last fall, I planned on taking my Fridays as "Tech-Free Sabbaths". I'm happy to report that they've stuck.
It took a while for me to understand the difference between the grace of tech-free sabbath and the law of tech-free sabbath. In the beginning, I was anxiously full of questions. Could I take a phone call? Could I make a phone call? Could I check the weather forecast on the computer? Could I watch a show with my family? After several weeks of this, I realized that I was getting so caught up in following the law of the sabbath that I was missing out on true sabbath. So I relaxed and did what made sense, what feels authentic, what seems faith-full.
So I do continue to use the grocery list on my iPhone. And I do check in for my airline flights. And I pick up calls from my kids' schools.
But I don't check or send e-mails. And I don't work on my sermon. And I don't shop or waste time with all the technology around me.
My Friday Sabbaths also include doing things in expansive time instead of in a hurry. Each Friday, I try to see my mom at the nursing home and have a long visit--not rushing off to get anywhere. I now normally do our week's grocery shopping on my sabbath and it is no longer a "chore" but it has become an act of loving service which I do for our family. I also plan our meals for the week and mix up a batch of Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day which we'll use throughout the week. I take my kid to preschool. I'm home when the other one gets off the bus. I'm around for them to have fun with. And I thank God for all of it.
Sabbath blessings to you.
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