The countdown has commenced.
I’m making the pilgrimage back to the place that inspires me toward Sabbath keeping. Twenty-two hours pushing pavement north into Canada. Where rest and play aren’t condiments, they’re the meal.
It’s not the moment when we pull away from our house, the overnight in a hotel a midst a bustling urban city or the bucket seat smorgasbord of salmon and egg salad sandwiches and gingersnaps that mark the beginning of vacation. For me, it’s the final descent over the suspension bridge and across the water, when I look down over the Thousand Islands and glimpse cottages nestled between two countries under tall pines; their boats leaving cloudy water messages.
Our cell phones turn off and we tuck American money under the seat to scavenge leftover loonies from last year’s trip. We exchange a small fee for entrance into the truest form of restfulness.
As you observe Sabbath, may you remember that the price is small when crossing the bridge from six ordinary work days into one day of bliss. That the view on the other side of rest is worth the time it takes to get there.
Happy Sabbath Friends!
With my phone turned off and limited access to the internet, my response to your comments will be slow. I’m thankful you stopped by. If you want to learn more about being a Sabbath keeper, click here and see how more than 100 are declaring, “I’m all in” by joining the Sabbath Society.
Oh, you make me so nostalgic with this word painting! Looking down on the thousand islands, the cottages by the lake… sigh. Someday maybe maybe I’m gonna go back, too, and revisit that kind of two week Sabbath. Meanwhile, enjoy yours to the brim!
I hope you can do that one day Slyvia. Blessings to you as you rest this weekend.
Shelly, just beautiful, and I’m praying for your time away with the Lord, H, your children, and those sky-penetrating pines! May it be all that you long for as you rest across the Canadian border, as you rest calmly in the Lord. I’m about ready for rest, as I have been awake for more than twenty-four hours, as we headed back across the ocean, back home from England and Scotland. I loved every minute, and while not the kind of vacation that you are about to encounter, it was “rest-on-the-move,” as we rested in Him who assured our safety each leg of the journey. Though I could have easily stayed at least a fortnight longer, there is no place like home, and it’s good to be back (for me in St. Louis). And isn’t that what Christianity is all about? We rest best when we are at home in Him. May I never roam from the home of my heart, where the Lord Himself dwells.
Excited for you, Shelly, and I’m praying!
Love
Lynn
So glad you are back, its great to see you here in the comments again. Thanks for your prayers and I look forward to hearing stories about your trip.
Shelly, I pray traveling mercies over you and yours as you cover miles. May you find worship and rest. A wise friend of mine recently wrote, “When
the heart is ready to be given away, everything we offer is an act of worship.” She knows whereof she speaks…
Peace and good to you in Jesus’ name, dear one,
Chelle
I thought that quote sounded familiar. 🙂 Thank you Chelle. Will be holding you close in my prayers.
That picture looks exactly like our favorite spot in the Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota. Just looking at it slows my breathing. Enjoy your time of up there, Shelly.
We’re having a great time Michelle. Perfect weather and lots of sun. We’re playing all day and eating way too much.
welcome back to the land of loonies and not just in money form 😉 but seriously friend, I pray that you find the rest and relaxation longed for.
Thank you Janel. We are having a great time at the cottage. The weather has been awesome. Such a beautiful place, the sunsets have been stunning.
What beautiful imagery for entering into a day of bliss–the Sabbath. I want to hang onto this picture as inspiration for what the Sabbath can be, what it’s meant to be–restorative and refreshing. Thank you, Shelly. Your posts never fail to touch my heart!
So glad you keep coming back Nancy. Your words encourage me, always.
Ah Shelly–You did my heart good with this one. The way you describe my land!!! Thank you.
“God keep our land…Glorious and Free! Oh Canada, We stand on guard for Thee!” goes the little “ditty” we like to call our National Anthem.
Have a WONDERFUL vacation here! I’m proud to share my land with YOU!
Love, jillie
I’ve thought of you often while at the cottage Jillie and praying for you. You live in a beautiful country that has a piece of my heart. Thankful we can share it.