Sabbath Practice Week 2: Preparation Day
In the days leading to a road trip, there are several things one does to get ready: you gas up the car, take out the garbage, arrange for someone to take of your pet or plants, and pack your needed items. We do this because we know if we neglect these things it will be hard for us to be present and fully enjoy the trip. In the time we should be enjoying most, our minds return home. Is Sprinkles okay? Did my Amazon package get stolen off the porch? So, even though vacations are about enjoyment and rest, taking care of some business before you leave allows you to more fully experience the intentions of your trip!
The same is true of Sabbath. Sabbath is about our enjoyment and rest. It’s a day of anticipating the future that God intends for the world—one of restful existence with Him. And like vacation, if we go into Sabbath without some preparation it will be difficult to experience the practice’s intended delight. Because here’s the honest truth: we don’t just stumble into a time slot where we can stop and rest. If we stop without preparation we will find our minds during Sabbath returning to things left undone, or we will find our bodies drifting back into doing work or errands we “could” be doing.
And so the ancient Jews developed the day before Sabbath into “Preparation Day” (John 19:31). A day where we do what is necessary to help us enjoy the gift of Sabbath and allow us to be fully present. For some of us, preparation comes as natural as breathing. For others, preparation may feel like “overthinking” or being too strict. And while our culture of authenticity pits organic/authentic life against an organized, planned one, we recognize that the best fruit comes with a balance of both. Even the most luscious, delicious organic produce required trellises and pruning—all forms of structure and preparation.
Therefore, this week we invite you to add Preparation Day into your Sabbath Practice. Take time this week to consider what would be helpful to do the day or days leading up to your Sabbath. Here’s a few ideas to get started:
Go grocery shopping and stock up (there’s nothing more anti-Sabbath than fighting weekend tourist at Save-On!)
Pre-make meals (soups, casseroles, burritos make some great options)
Clean your space
Schedule Sabbath plans. Give yourself plenty of time and space to be slow, but it’s helpful to have an idea of who you want to see and what you want to do.
Think of something to make your day stand apart: a special dessert, an Eclipse coffee, a walk by the Bow, or your couch and a favourite book. Make sure you have what you need before Sabbath to make it happen!
Questions to Ponder:
Reflect:
What did Sabbath practice look like last week? If you weren’t able to Sabbath, what obstacles were in your way?
Did anything surprise you about your practice? Was it harder or easier than you expected? Did you feel more/less rested than expected?
What is your overall emotion as your continue to practice Sabbath? Remember to be gracious with yourself. Practices require practice and they sometimes feel like we’re getting worse before we experience breakthrough! Press on and please reach out to someone if you need to chat more!
Anticipate:
How could a Preparation day help you free up your actual Sabbath? What things would be most helpful to you in order for you to be fully present and enjoy Sabbath?
What would make Sabbath special for you? If you’re practicing with a roommate or partner, what would make it special for them? If you have children, them?