{PODCAST} The Breathing Room::Sabbath for Beginners

A global pause button has been pushed in response to the spread of the coronavirus around the world.  Joey and I discuss how certain practices have prepared us for this unprecedented time more than any trip to the grocery store ever could (Hint: We need Jesus and inner peace way more than we need toilet paper and chicken!).  This might just be the perfect opportunity to adopt some new rhythms into your life.  The first one we will discuss is a weekly Sabbath and what that looks like for their family.  

This episode just scratches the surface on Sabbath.  If you have specific questions you'd like us to answer or comments about your own experiences with Sabbath we would love to hear from you!  Leave a comment below or email us.

You can listen to the podcast below or on iTunes.  We would love for you to pop in your ear buds and take us along as you fold laundry or go for a walk...


Want to give Sabbath a try?  Don't overthink it.  Feel free to utilize the resources below, but ultimately...just do it!  Here are a few practical tips.

• On a wipe board or a piece of paper write down lots of things that may bring delight to your family (drawing, reading, listening to music, singing, dancing, taking a nap, going for a walk, creating something, etc.). Make sure to do this brainstorming together so you get the input of all family members.  Post your list of ideas somewhere visible on your Sabbath day.
• Do a little prep work on Saturday: have easy meals available, set a time for 15 minutes and have everyone pitch in to tidy up the house, set out any supplies or inspiration you might need, think ahead to what might need to be done for Monday and go ahead and do that.
• Consider your 'boundary markers'.  You may want to eliminate technology (with the exception of a family movie maybe) and other things that may distract from your day of delight and engagement.
• Sabbath is all about ceasing our striving so we can delight in God and each other without the need to 'accomplish' anything so keep that in front of you at all times.
• If your first attempt is a flop (like ours was : ) - don't give up!  Try again next week!

SHOW NOTES
Here are some of the things we mentioned in today's episode:
Sabbath by Dan Allender  
(a great book to help give you perspective on how to observe Sabbath in a delightful way)

The Chosen
(the first-ever-multi-season TV show about the life of Jesus - watch with your entire family!)

An article that simply outlines Sabbath
(this article is from Peter Scazzero and his book Emotionally Healthy Spirituality is one we will be referencing in this series - it is also one of my all-time favorite resources)

One of my kids' favorite things to do on Sabbath - SWING!