Last week I heard an inspiring presentation on the role of stewardship in spiritual formation. One element the speaker focused on in particular was the practice of Sabbath and its capacity to cultivate a generous heart. [This idea is probably on my mind since I'm writing this while technically on vacation ].

The concept of Sabbath is simple. God rested on the 7th day of creation, and therefore we too must take time (weekly) to rest from our labours. God’s resting on the 7th day fulfills the cycle of creation. It’s not that creation was “done” on the 6th day and then God was tired and needed a day off. The Sabbath is an intricate piece of completing creation. In the Sabbath one gains a sense of perspective, a connection to the beauty and sacredness of all life in God and it gives rise to a deep sense of gratitude, out of which springs a generous heart.

In the last 3 years of my life I have taken on a very intentional practice of Sabbath. After a quick scan of my email first thing in the morning to make sure there are no extreme circumstances that would cause me to break my Sabbath, I do not (for the rest of the day) answer messages or spend time on the computer, cell phone, etc. I do not do any work or undertake any writing. I spend the day in times of prayer, reading, exercise, and in the evening I have sacred “date night” with my wife Chloe.

I stress that keeping Sabbath must be intentional. It is a practice of “not doing”, so hard in our 24/7 world. It has been a source of deep grace in my life, for which I’m forever grateful. Start with a smaller amount of Sabbath – say 1-2 hours – and then build towards one full day. Schedule it in your calendar and let nothing (absent an emergency) intrude on that time.