I’ve had to let go of perfection, of completion, of checking everything off a list, in order to become a Sabbath-keeper. Maybe the laundry’s not all washed or that last bit of homework completed, or every single phone call made or email sent. I have to accept that I am incapable of doing everything by myself, in my own strength, that I need to step out of the equation and allow God to refill me.
By nature, I am a rule-follower, list-maker, task-finisher… and Sabbath is the total opposite of all of that. It’s a time to stop doing and experience simply being. My worth ceases to revolve around what I’ve gotten done and shifts to who I really am, who (and Whose) I was made to be. This paradox of finding strength through rest both grates against and soothes my inner self! It’s mysterious and doesn’t always make sense, but regular Sabbath-keeping is completely invaluable to me in my battle against a performance-based mindset.
Want to make Sabbath a weekly rhythm and not just something you fit in to the cracks between busyness? Join the Sabbath Society, it all started here.
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That performance-based thinking is hard to get rid of in our culture in the U.S. Since getting cancer, I have learned to accept each day and what I can do, and not live by a Must Do list. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on letting go of performance type of thinking!
(Just a note, my blog can be found at http://faithcounts.wordpress.com)
Gratitude that comes from adversity is a rich gift Janet. Your perspective is inspiring.
Thank you for sharing your space with me, Shelly, and for encouraging me in my Sabbath journey.
Glad to have you here Toni, its lovely getting to know you through the Sabbath Society.
I struggle with performance based thinking as well. I appreciate your thoughts here. Thank you for sharing!
I’m not sure any of us exempt from those feelings Janet. You’re in good company.