Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest.  Exodus 34:21

My parents’ behavior on most Sunday afternoons puzzled me. Why would they choose to waste time resting when there were so many things to do?  Not long after I married and started a family, I finally understood why God said, “For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a Sabbath of rest to the Lord” (Exod. 35:2). God provided the Sabbath for worship and for rest. I now plan ahead to make certain I rest Sunday afternoons after a morning at church.  Having a day to rest renews our energy and zest for life. A day to focus on something besides work also helps to prevent burnout. Jesus understood this need for rest. After the death of John the Baptist, Jesus told his disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31).  The Sabbath rest not only refreshes mind and body but also refreshes our spirit so we can serve God more faithfully.

Dear Father, thank you for a day to spend special time with you in worship and in rest. Help us, God, to follow your example and to rest. Amen.