On Friday, I’m running to catch the handle on the freight train and pull myself up. Walk through the empty car, sprawl out on the worn out seat of the urgent and watch the world blur past. Wait long enough for my heart to slow from swimming in the deep end of my cerebral pool. And watch the horses graze on rest.
And just when I sink in to the comfortable chair of belonging, Saturday saunters in with her dainty tray of service opportunities to seduce me. The smell of money; needs catering to a mind full of self.
” . . . .but I can’t give up my Sundays, sir, indeed I can’t. I read that God made man, and he made horses and the other beasts, and as soon as he made them he made a day of rest, and bade that all should rest one day in seven; and I think sir, He must have known what was good for them, and I am sure it is good for me. . . .” ~Black Beauty, The Sunday Cab
Courage and conviction, I’ll take some of that. When duty calls you away from good intentions, may you hear the hallelujahs in the hedges. Even Jesus healed on the Sabbath.
“I have not lost my Sunday after all, for the birds were singing hymns in every bush, and I joined in the service.” ~Black Beauty, The Golden Rule
Did you know that Black Beauty, Chapter 36 & 37 are on Sabbath? I didn’t, until a Sabbath sister told me. You can download the classic read on your Kindle here, it’s free.
Some reading for your weekend:
Willie Robertson from Duck Dynasty (yes, I’m a fan) shares about the principle of patience and forgiveness that the Robertsons try to adhere to in their lives. Read why those family dinners aren’t just a gimmick at the end of every episode.
Are you SBNR (spiritual but not religious)? Do you believe in God but not organized religion? Reverend Lillian Daniel questions your self-styled spirituality in this one. It made me think, and I like that. By Kate Blanchard for Salon.
Walking the Pharisee Path to Sabbath – She’s been a lurker for the past eight weeks and then Lisa decided to join the Sabbath Society. I’m so glad she did. Welcome her in the comments.
10 Principles to guide your Sabbath by the Sabbath Manifesto
For more inspired reading click on the links in the side bar under Delicious Reads.
My shabbat is a messy effort to change my life while others around me meander along in the way they have always known. God, is God no matter how imperfect my attempts at honoring Him may be.
And I love Duck Dynasty also!
Messy? It means you fit right in Diane. We love Duck Dynasty at our house, I mean who doesn’t like to laugh until you tear up?
Well if you’re gonna promise me some Duck Dynasty, of course I’m gonna click on over.
You’re doing some fine work here, Shelly.
Thanks Nancy, my fellow Duck Dynasty comrade.
I just enjoyed this Shelly. Just enjoyed it. Your way with words…soothes my soul. Like “the horses grazing on rest”.
So glad you enjoyed it. I loved reading that part of Black Beauty. Now I need to read the rest of it.
I loved Black Beauty as a kid, but I sure don’t remember those chapters on Sabbath (I probably skimmed them!).
I haven’t read it, can you believe that Michelle. I missed out on a lot of the classics. Not sure why but I’m getting caught up now.
Haven’t read that book for MANY years… at least 50. But was a good one. And being remembered to deal with the Sabbath more often, since our world mostly doesn’t. So, thank you for the reminder. Again!!
Glad you stopped by Joanne, always a pleasure.
ahhh, thanks so much for the link to my little bloggy… Sabbath was fantastic yesterday it is amazing how God moves when we move out of the way 🙂
Love hearing that Lisa, so glad you’ve joined us and you are welcome.