Last Wednesday I started a new Bible study, Breathe by Priscilla Shirer. The study details on Lifeway's website for the book read like this:
We are in bondage to busyness. We constantly strive to complete the limitless to-do lists that hinder us from experiencing all that God has for us. We miss the moments because we rush ahead to the next thing. It is time for us to breathe and build margin into our lives for God. Sabbath was intended as a gift, and it is still a gift to us today. If you are weary, worn out, and exhausted the concept of Sabbath will change your life.
This study has been backordered and was difficult to get for awhile. I wanted to throw that in because I think it's saying something ; )
I haven't even finished the first week and I've already fallen in love with this study. God is so good. He is so kind. He kills me. He cracks me up. His ways are NOT our ways!
So, there is a DVD session at the start of each week and then homework, that's more like journaling, to do in between each weekly session. I'm not even done with the first week's homework. But, God is blessing me ; )
I learned a little about Shabbat when I read Jen Hatmaker's 7 and then subsequently her study with my Bible study ladies. I stress little. Our family celebrated a 'traditional' Shabbat meal learning about rest at that time. When I began Breathe I thought it would be a good addition to what I was learning and a way for my family to participate. So we planned to participate in Shabbat on Friday night.
As I said, I started the study Wednesday, did some of the homework and then celebrated Shabbat on Friday. Side note: We've only done this a handful of times but my children are totally into it. They love it. They ask for it. They run around the house yelling Shabbat! Shabbat! Their understanding of it's significance may not be whole, but I can't help but think that it gives my Father in Heaven joy. And as usual, I can totally learn from them.
Detour. If you know me, you know I'm never alone (she says with a wild glint in her eye). I had 4 kids in 6 years and they are 10, 8, 7, & 4 now. I do not have, as my children say, 'alone time'. It is rare to nonexistent. When I do glimpse this rare phenomenon it has a restorative affect I cannot fathom. I become a new person. My siblings note that I act as though I've been drinking. You laugh! But it is true. I love my family. I love my husband. I love my kids. I miss them when they've been gone 15 minutes. But 'alone time' is necessary for sanity for everyone.
So in the first week that I have been studying Breathe (that is about building margin into our lives because God commanded it and He loves us and puts healthy boundaries in our lives) I just wanted to share with you that God aligned the stars and in a mysterious chain of events I enjoyed a birthday/movie trip with a close friend, Shabbat with my family Friday night, a girls night Saturday night, and a freak 3 hours to myself on Sunday afternoon.
Who does that?
God does. His ways are not our ways. Whoever wants to be first must be very last. Love your enemies. And if you want to be more effective, get more done - REST. God is good.
