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“Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.” Exodus 20:8
In the Bible, we are told to observe the Sabbath. It’s even one of the Ten Commandments! But many of us aren’t the best at it. Life is just SO busy! Who can possibly take a whole 24 hours off?
But God, in His wisdom, knew just how much we NEED Sabbath. God wanted us to have that time to refresh ourselves. He also wanted us to have that time to draw closer to Him.
There’s a problem with Sabbath though. I find that most people are overwhelmed by the mere thought of it. Nope, no way do I have time for yet ONE MORE THING. My plate is full. Sabbath is going to have to go to the back of the line. But, what if I told you that could take a 20 minute Sabbath?
How to Take a 20 Minute Sabbath
This changes things for me. Oh well, okay. It’s only 20 minutes (not 24 hours which might feel unattainable). All right, I’m in!
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not trying to rewrite God’s rules or challenge Him on this. Nah God, I got this. I only need 20 minutes. Just watch. The big guy (God, not Hulk) knows what He’s talking about. But I also believe that He knows that sometimes I need baby steps.
The idea of a full 24 hour Sabbath makes me want to grab a paper bag and start hyperventilating. So, I’m going to take the step of just one little 20 minute break – and being all in for the whole 20 minutes!. Maybe in a week or two, I can make it 40 minutes. Maybe in a month or two (or three or four) I can get all the way up there to that full day.
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So, here are some ideas for taking a 20 Minute Sabbath (or even less):
If you have to in order to get some peace, get in your car, turn on some praise music, and sing. You don’t need to go on a drive. Just sit in your car in the driveway.
Turn on worship music and dance it out by yourself or with the kids.
Sit down with your favourite beverage and read or do embroidery or pray or whatever quiet activity you enjoy.
Sunday afternoon quiet time – naps or at least lying down for a rest/reading for everyone in the house.
Call/video chat a friend.
Write in your gratitude/blessings journal.
Watch the sunrise or set.
Savor a piece of your favourite chocolate or other treat. Just focus on it while you enjoy it.
Work on a piece of Christian artwork. Or pick a piece of Christian art and try some Visio Divina.
Unburden yourself by going through an examination of conscience.
Go out for brunch after church as a family. (Okay, brunch will take longer than 20 minutes but the discussion won’t). Talk about the sermon/homily/what you learned in church today or what questions you have.
Or after church, sit down and draw pictures about it together.
Write thank you notes/I prayed for you notes (or I missed you at church today).
Go for a leisurely walk – alone or as a family. Head to a park or prayer labyrinth if you have one nearby.
Read a chapter of a devotional book. Or read one that has an entry for each day like Jesus Calling or A Little God Time for Women.
Do some deep breathing exercises and simple stretches.
Use a gentle facial scrub and then apply a face mask. Lie down for 15 minutes to let it sink in. As you lie there, let God’s love wash over you. Finish up with a simple face massage with a moisturizing cream.
Do a body prayer. After learning how to do it, try improvising your own movements and creating your own body prayer.
Blow bubbles. Chase them and pop them or just sit and watch as they gently float away.
Just sit. Say “Come Holy Spirit” and sit in silence for 20 minutes.
See? Simple. Just 20 minutes spent taking care of yourself and your relationship with God. How do you engage in Sabbath in your life?
You might also like: How to have a better quiet time with God
