​Sabbath: the seventh day of the week observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening as a day of rest and worship by Jews and some Christians; often observed on Sunday among Christians as a day of rest and worship; a time of rest; abstaining from work

There is simply something about summer that leaves me yearning for quiet, slow, sunny mornings and extra time under the stars late at night. Somehow, exploring Sabbath rest comes more easily in the summer. The days get longer and time seems to slow down, even though my task list, chores, and never ending ideas continue no matter the season. Yet, summer days help me embrace the concept of Sabbath a bit more freely than other times of the year.

I don’t know about you, but my Sabbath time is not often scheduled on one set day of the week as the definition suggests. Since my retreat and workshop work often continues throughout the weekend, it’s challenging to always find Sabbath on Sundays. Many of us work varied hours, and those of us who are caregivers or parents know this type of work cannot be unscheduled on certain days. Those who work in the church or other ministry settings often share with me that Sunday is far from a day in which they abstain from work. Can we, too, discover Sabbath rest and might it be easier than expected in the summer?

Amidst the ongoing duties of life, new rules seem to take effect in the summer for our family. Or, maybe it’s less rules? A teen who calls to stay over and spend the night at his grandmother’s house rather than come home (he knows his room looks like a tornado hit and avoids this duty at all costs), yet I agree. A newsletter that has a deadline, but instead, a yoga mat, some homemade kombucha, and a lovely back porch (from where I cannot escape the loud construction of a new home next door) call more loudly and I easily unplug. And a day that should have involved household cleaning - instead I find myself loading my Kindle with tons of library books.  Free fiction and summer - that’s my Sabbath.

Today I sat in silence and wondered - rest and worship come easy for me. Yet why is it sometimes hard to abstain from work? Is it because there are so many great ideas brewing in my creative heart? There are not enough hours, even on a long summer day to tackle everything God has planted inside me (and the stuff I avoid too, like laundry). How do I step away from "work" and lean in to my own soul care? Here are five soul care tips for exploring Summer Sabbath:

1. Sun Soaking: Get outside and soak up the sun (as a melanoma survivor, I do also urge you to please wear sun protection and sun safely). Yes, the sun is so good for you! There is a physical longing our bodies have for sunshine and the Vitamin D it offers. Also consider the fact that our Creator offers this miracle of the sun each day. Don’t let this pass. Get outside and soak up God’s gift of the sun.
2. Sleep Patterns: As tempting as it is in the long days of summer, keep your bedtime and morning routines. Our bodies need sleep. God designed us for rest. And just as Sabbath rest is important to our spiritual life, daily physical rest through sleep is vital. Your body was not designed to continue on without sleep. Embrace sleep in healthy patterns and offer your body a regular rhythm of bedtime and rising, offering space for your body and your spirit.
3. Social Boundaries: Connect with others and know when to disconnect too. I love social media. It allows me to connect with those near and far. I can stay connected and in touch with those who I would never otherwise have the opportunity to connect. Choose when you interact online, and also find times to purposely log off from your social media interactions. This boundary on your time allows you to be present with those around you and with your Creator.
4. Senses and Sounds: Our bodies are miraculous, right? We often sense far more than we process. Slow down to really sense how that fresh berry tastes in your mouth. Discover how the grass feels between your toes. Notice the sounds of nature or your favorite musician. Our senses allow us to turn many ordinary moments into sacred opportunities. What do you notice around you today and how could you capture this?
5. Silly Fun: Have some silly fun! Seriously, I know what it feels like to have to work at having fun. This step does not come naturally to me, yet it’s getting easier! The more you practice this, the easier it will become. When was the last time you laughed - really laughed? What brings you joy? Find some silly fun this summer. God created you for delight!

This summer I am definitely not tossing my ideas or creative spirit - these are not work. I am exploring Sabbath rest and discovering time apart from work (like my computer screen) more freely. I desire to embrace soaking up the sun, sleeping plenty, keeping safe boundaries for my social media time, savoring my senses, and discovering plenty of silly fun! Will you join me in this and keep me accountable as well?  
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What does your summer Sabbath look like? How do you make space away from your work? Is that easy or difficult in this season of summer? 

By the way, I was inspired to write this post as one of my fellow Upper Room authors, J. Dana Trent, is releasing a book on the topic of Sabbath this fall. I’m excited to dive in (I might just get a sneak preview, one of the perks of “working” alongside her). Yet reading her words will not be work for me. Sabbath, this summer I’m ready to embrace you! Stay tuned for the release of For Sabbath’s Sake!

Every time I start to get overwhelmed, I am reminded to rest.  And yet, my initial response is that I have too much to do to rest.  You know the drill.  The kids, the job, the house, the family, the friends, the church, the place you volunteer down the road, or even the shelter downtown - they ALL need you!

Guess what?  They do need you!  Without you, there will be no one to fold the laundry, help with homework, kiss the boo-boos, build friendships, give to the church, or volunteer in the community.  But, here is the big news flash!  You don't have to do it all at once and you aren't expected to do it all when you are exhausted.

We need rest.  God designed us to rest.  He even rested.  He tells us that he will give us rest!  So, why do we think that we are special and we do not need to rest?  If you are guilty of forgetting to rest and take care of yourself, you are not alone.  This has been a skill set I have been working on for quite some time.  What is interesting is that many of us simply don't know where to start.  Most of us have not been modeled rest or taught well how to rest by our society.

So, I'm sharing some small changes I've made to incorporate rest in my life and hope that by sharing my list it may help you to expand your list.  Read it through, get some ideas and get some rest!  

• Hang windchimes on your deck, patio or outside your front door for a calming reminder.
• Get away alone or with your significant other.  Vacations are great.  But, let's be honest...if you have children, you are more exhausted after vacation than you were before you left.  If a full day or weekend is impossible, ask a friend to help help with the kid(s) and get away for a few hours.
• Take a bath.  Add a few drops of lavender oil.
• Ask for help with the laundry, the house, etc.
• Steep a cup of hot tea.
• Move.  Do some yoga, dance alone or with the kids or take a walk.
• Sit still.  Yes, just sit there for 5 minutes and do nothing (don't even think about checking your phone)!
• Listen.  Go outside and enjoy the sounds of the leaves falling, the birds or the crickets.
• If you have easy access to the internet (which I assume you do if you are reading this), download the Pandora app on your computer or phone and add a classical station or some music from Deuter.
• Think.  Journal or read.
• Breathe deeply.  Most of us don't breathe deeply.  Use your diaphragm and breathe into your entire being.
• Eliminate noise.  Turn off the radio, television or even that Pandora station if you're simply feeling like you may explode due to over-stimulation.
• Unplug.  Turn off the alerts on your phone and computer and resist the urge to check in to see what you may have just missed.
• Go to bed!  Yes, this may sound pretty simple but it is proven that our bodies need sleep to refuel.
• Get a hobby and discover what you love.  Learn to knit, sew, play an instrument, paint or take pictures.  Doing something can be restful and rejuvenating, if you are doing it to rest rather than keep busy!  I am finding that I like to re-purpose old things for new uses, it is fun and inexpensive!

You may think that it is impossible to get away with God and find rest in today's society with all that is resting on your shoulders.  But, it really is possible.  And, in the long run, you may just find you are more productive.  Or, you may find that the less important things in life just fall right off your list.  What gives you rest?

I'm signing off to go stretch and then sleep while the dishes await!  Happy rest!