Today in week three of our Rest Revolution, it is my pleasure to welcome Kris Camealy to the blog, a Sabbath Society peep whose image could appear in the dictionary under the word encouragement. As a tireless prayer warrior for many, Kris has become one of my closest friends and greatest cheerleaders all through the gift of blogging. She is proof that friendship  can be deeply rich despite physical distance. I’m thrilled to share her creative spirit and generous hospitality with you.

rbrestrevolution

Lately, I’ve been wondering how I managed before I began actively embracing the Sabbath. I work hard day after day, juggling kids and schooling, writing, activities, mentoring meetings, cooking, cleaning, and other various typical tasks. For years I did this seven days a week with virtually no real rest. I never thought about what Dr. Matthew Sleeth calls, “building a refuge in the Sabbath.” I knew there was work to be done and so I kept on going, day after day, ignoring the commandment to honor the Sabbath.

Art Journal

Who has time to take an entire day off from their regular responsibilities? What about falling behind? If I rest, when will I catch up?

In my mind, it was simple–Sunday was the perfect “catch up” day.

It wasn’t until about a year ago, when I took a closer look at God’s words about resting and Sabbath, that I recognized however I tried to rationalize it, the reality was, I’d been comfortable in my disobedience. Productivity was king and I thrived in the shadow of accomplishment while carrying the scepter of busy.

How long will these people refuse to obey my commands and instructions? They must realize that Sabbath is the Lord’s gift to you. (Exodus 16:28-19)

After returning from Refine {the retreat}, I set up a space in my room specifically for creating art. At the retreat, I realized how important true rest really is. Taking a retreat opened my eyes to the necessity of making real time to linger with God. In making time for rest, I invite God to renew me. Sabbath is an invitation to sit with God, to commune long without rushing off to do–during Sabbath we can simply be.

Sabbath keeping is nothing less than grabbing onto the hem of the robe of the Maker of the universe. (Matthew Sleeth, 24/6)

journal

The art table in my home sits as a constant invitation to retreat. When I kneel beside this low, antique table, I am renewed by the communion I find with God as I work. This small space is where I find refuge during my Sabbath.

In observing God’s commandment to honor the Sabbath, I am discovering a deeper friendship with the Lord. I’ve come to see the time spent in retreat is not wasted, but rather, it enriches my faith and deepens my own love for God. In his book 24/6, Sleeth points out that “you need quality and quantity to make intimacy happen. Fortunately God designed our schedules to accommodate both”. Sabbath presents itself as a designated space in my busy life to move closer to God, apart from the nagging to-do’s of my usual schedule. Sabbath is where I remember that “God is the source of my life.” Sabbath reminds me that the world will spin even if I do not.

journaling

Sitting at my art table, I become less and less aware of time. Caught up in the act of creating, in the sounds of music playing, I remember that all of the time I have been given is God’s first. The urgency of life shrinks in these hours of retreat. I don’t have to waste this precious rest time worrying about how I will get it all done. The time spent in refuge during the Sabbath is not wasted. I’ve seen God redeem this seemingly unproductive time, again and again, week after week. I don’t know how He does it, but it happens.

Sabbath keeping gives us the time to set priorities– (Matthew Sleeth, 24/6)

Observing the Sabbath requires me to slow way down–to stop where I am, lay aside the work and step into a pause intended for my good. Sleeth reminds me that God rested on the seventh day and that rest is holy. In order to grow and maintain my relationship with God, I must willingly offer up one day out of seven for retreat.

Art Journal
In stopping, I retreat. By retreating, I am renewed. Rest restores my body and soul.

Rest is done by stopping. By coming to a stop we give rest a place to happen. We make rest possible. (Matthew Sleeth 24/6)

What keeps you from stepping fully into Sabbath? What are some of the ways you experience God’s rest?

Leave your answer to Kris’s questions in the comments and then join us for more discussion at Redemptions Beauty Book Club, where we are delving into 24/6: A Prescription for a Healthier, Happier Life by Matthew Sleeth every Wednesday in September. This week, Sabbath Society peep, Diane Bailey  is helping me lead our conversation.

krisAs a sequin wearing, homeschooling mother of four, Kris is passionate about Jesus, people and words. Her heart beats to share the hard, but glorious truth about life in Christ. She’s been known to take gratuitous pictures of her culinary creations, causing mouths to water all across Instagram. Once upon a time, she ran 10 miles for Compassion International, a ministry for which she serves as an advocate. Kris is the author of, Holey, Wholly, Holy: A Lenten Journey of Refinement, and the follow up, Companion Workbook. You can read more from Kris at kriscamealy.com.