Pause. Breathe. Rest.

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It's ironic that one blogger's post about pausing her writing would lead me to restart my own blog after a "sabbatical" of nearly a year. The pause has been good to me, but more on that later.

This beautiful interpretation of Psalm 23 landed softly in my email inbox today, compliments of Claire Cassell, the Pastor of Spiritual Care at Prince of Peace Church in Minnesota, on the eve of her summer hiatus.

Sabbath Time for Busy People  

The Lord is my Pace Setter, I shall not rush,

He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals,

He provides me with images of stillness,

Which restore my serenity.

He leads me in ways of efficiency,

Through calmness of mind; and his guidance is peace.

Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day,

I will not fret, for his presence is here.

His timelessness, his all-importance will keep me in balance.

He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity,

By anointing my head with his oils of tranquility,

My cup of joyous energy overflows.

Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruit of my hours,

For He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals,

He provides me with images of stillness,

Which restore my serenity.

He leads me in ways of efficiency,

Through calmness of mind; and his guidance is peace.

Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day,

I will not fret, for his presence is here.

His timelessness, his all-importance will keep me in balance.

He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity,

By anointing my head with his oils of tranquility,

My cup of joyous energy overflows.

Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruit of my hours,

For I shall walk in the pace of my Lord,

and dwell in his house for ever. 

23rd Psalm translated by Toki Miyashina

The unofficial theme of this week — our family's first "regular" week of summer after church camp and family vacation — has been relishing the fluid openness of this less structured season.  Loosely translated, that means "resting on our laurels." Putting aside the phone and the calendar.  Embracing what each moment brings.  And what joy these moments bring.

Impromptu gatherings with neighborhood kids.  Friends swooping by unexpectedly for a trip to the pool.  Long read-aloud book sessions.  Naps.  

It has been a sabbath from our schedule.  A slowness for our souls.

This slice of serenity dovetails nicely with a Bible verse I keep gravitating to this week.  

Colossians 3:15

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

God calls us to sabbath. To slow down. To pause in peace. To breathe God's beneficence. To rest. With him.  And in him. 

I pray that in this moment, each one of us feels God's call to be still. I pray that we can put this earthly busyness on pause and savor the goodness of this season that God gives. And as a result, may we have Christ's precious peace ruling in our hearts and overflowing into our corners of the world.

Peace and sweet sabbath to you and yours!

Parents:  If you are looking for some sane ideas for slowing down your summer with your kiddos, Shawn Fink at AbundantMama.com has wisdom for you here.