Thinking about rest/sabbath

I've been feeling very busy recently (hence the lack of posts for a few weeks). I've finally found some time to rest yesterday and today. I have to say it feels good.

This morning I chose to ride the bus to volunteer. I've been trying to do this now for a while, and I really enjoy it when I can make myself get up early enough. When I take the bus I have to leave my house about 30 minutes earlier than when I drive. Riding the bus gives me some time to think and reflect and plan the devotional.

This morning for the devotional I read a poem from Guerrillas of Grace: Prayers for the Battle by Ted Loder. The poem I read was about being so busy with life that we forget what we need God for and what to say to God and even maybe how to talk to God. It's really moving. You can read the full text here.

I have been struggling with being too busy and not setting aside time for God. I was looking this morning at the Ten Commandments. I found them in Exodus 20:3-17. What I found the most striking is that most of the commandments are few words. Do not kill. Do not covet. etc. They are also almost all negative - DO NOT do this or that. However, the fourth commandment is a responsibility and is also the longest. The fourth commandment says:

Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. For six days you shall labour ad do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath for Yahweh you God. You shall do no work that day, neither you nor your son nor your daughter nor your servants, men or women, nor your animals nor the alien living with you. For in six days Yahweh made the heavens, earth and sea all that these contain, but on the seventh day he rested; that is why Yahweh has blessed the Sabbath day and made it sacred. (New Jerusalem Translation)

This one commandment is very long and very detailed. God is making sure that we know exactly what God means when God says "remember the Sabbath" I am struck at how easy it is to forget God and get lost in our daily lives - in our routines or lack thereof or our jobs or not having one. It is so easy to forget to ask God or even forget how to talk to God.

I ended the devotional this morning by having a 'neighbor' lead us all in the Lord's Prayer.

I'm hoping that I can also learn and listen and become less busy - even if I am still doing just as much. I need to set aside time for God and prayer.