a new rhythm of sabbath...

This past year I have tried with spoty success to be more intentional about making space for weekly Sabbath! Pastor and author, Eugene Peterson, once wrote an article titled "Confessions of a Former Sabbath Breaker." Needless to say, I relate! God gave us Sabbath rest for a reason with our best interest in mind. Why is it so easy to neglect obedience to rest?! Anyway, today was the "launch" for a new rhythm and discipline of Sabbath these months ahead before leaving for Argentina early next year.

My church started a new Sunday evening worship service, Grace at Night. So, I am looking forward to attending this evening service and beginning my Sabbath with morning solitude and space for God. Today I kicked things off by going to one of my favorite local places, an outdoor cafe overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the Long Beach Art Museum. I also started reading Mother Teresa's private writings in the new book, Come Be My Light, which has spurred a lot of conversation and debate. After a great morning with God, coffee, and reading....I enjoyed an afternoon phone conversation with a good friend and took it slow. This Sabbath day closed with some meaningful worship and reflection on "Jesus, Light of the World" at Grace at Night!

This new Sabbath rhythm got off to a great start! It was a good day!

Come Be My Light begins with Mother Teresa’s mother’s parting words to her daughter as she left home for India, “Put your hand in His hand, and walk alone with Him. Walk ahead, because if you look back you will go back.” I appreciated reading more on Mother Teresa’s early years of formation and growing into her vocation. Her vocation was the “fruit of her profound relationship with Jesus.” I paid special close attention to the formation process that Mother Teresa went through those early years in the order....Mother Teresa truly walked ahead in spiritual formation and growing into her vocation!