Sabbath – a day set aside for rest and worship.
Several weeks ago following a very needed and restful vacation in the Arizona desert I decided to mark off some consistent days on the calendar for rest and refreshment. I orignially thought I could go away with my daughter or some friends and head to the mountains. We could spend some time together, but as it happens I ended up here by myself. God could not have orchestrated it better. We have a fractional place up here but I just wanted one night, so I booked what they call “bonus time”. I headed up the highway early this morning and was surprised by the amount of traffic – busy but honestly not bad. I put on a podcast focused on God and amired the beauty of the mountains and the pristine day, as not a cloud in the sky was visible starting out.
The calmness of the man sharing the scriptures and the sermon this morning filled my mind and my spirit. It is amazing how you can focus on the driving (those swerving in and out and not really getting ahead but clearly getting frustrated) and you can focus on the expanse of mountains and the vastness of GOD.
My summer bible study is working through the book, by Jen Wilkin, None Like Him: 10 Ways God is Different From Us. Incredible and highly recommened! It comes on the heel of our couples study this past year by AW Tozer. Both are trying to examine the character of God but somehow Jen makes it feel real as she links her life stories to issues we all experience. I have appreciated her questions and thoughtfulness. While I love Tozer as well, I had found myself with nothing talk about when we gathered. He is elegant and deep what could we possibly add? What both books have done is to alert me to my propensity of self and thinking more of myself than I ought. The books have caused me to pause and take stock of priorities and ask “Am I truly seeking you Lord?’
Today is time to soak up His beauty in these mountains. With sunshine on my face, listening to kids laugh and notice God’s majesty all around. Somehow, it is easier to do this in the mountains. The mountains are made by Him just like every other thing I see but somehow nature screams HIS HOLINESS.
He made sabboth for us and I hope to be better at enjoying His rest and refreshment.
Blessings to you!
Mama Bear Moments 