"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Leviticus 19:30

 June 20

"Keep my Sabbath days of rest and show reverence toward my sanctuary. I am the LORD." -God in Leviticus 19:30 (NLT)

As we celebrate the first day of Summer today, we may be looking forward to some time to rest and relax, kick back with a big glass of iced tea and find a few good books to read. Or maybe we wish to enjoy gardening, make a few trips to the beach, have some backyard cookouts, do a little fishing, and enjoy some fun family time. Or maybe you’re also afraid it may become like too many other summers with so much to do it passes too quickly. If we bemoan the fast pace of most summers with rushed days, and too many organized activities- it may be good to stop and get some perspective from God’s Word. Genesis 2:3 talks about the vital importance of rest and says God Himself rested after creating our world. Knowing time to rest was vital for those He created, our Lord also created Sabbath days, seasons, and times to ensure we would not work ourselves to an early death. Gas tanks that run on “low” all the time become weary, sputter and stop. We are no different and without prolonged periods of rest, we will lack the stamina to thrive spiritually, relationally, mentally or emotionally.

If Jesus, God's son, often went apart to rest, how much more do we need to do likewise? It may never be clear why some of us feel guilty or unfulfilled if not always busy. Yet it is vital to realize everything on our waiting list doesn't need to be done immediately or even this Summer. Take some time for a Sabbath rest this June. Contemplate the beauty of nature and the greatness of God who is as faithful to us as the seasons. As the old hymn says, “In summer and winter and springtime and harvest...join with all nature in manifold witness to Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.” Try carving out some time for relaxing this Summer for a real Sabbath rest. Restore and refresh your heart, soul, and spirit. Be blessed rather than drowning in busyness and business! You will not regret it! It may even become the best season of your life if you can hear the wisdom of Wumen Huikai in his profound poem:

"Ten thousand flowers in spring, the moon in autumn,

A cool breeze in summer, snow in winter.

If your mind isn’t clouded by unnecessary things,

This is the Best Season of your life."

Prayer: Lord God, Thank you for the gift of Summer rest! Amen.

Meditation For The Day: Summer is God's Sabbath Season.

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)