Summer Reading Wish List

Sabbath rhythms and traveling within the pages of a good book

Our little family observed Sabbath for years and I miss it.

The regular practice of Sabbath became a necessary rhythm when our kids were young. It was something that sort of defined us as a family. Kevin and I would intentionally turn off the “noise” and create beautiful experiences and spaces for connection as a family and with Jesus. We slowed down. We discipled our kids. We saw each other. It wasn’t always easy, but intentional Sabbath was beautiful and sustaining.

Throughout seasons of life, our practice of Sabbath has taken on many different forms, but recently it has languished quite a bit.

Twenty-twenty did its number on us.

I don’t know about you, but looking back I am now discovering just how many life rhythms were lost in recent years; exercise, holiday, Sabbath, getting together with friends, church gathering, getting dressed and out of my pajama pants each morning… Are you there with me?

For me, the good news is that all of a sudden I’m starting to feel myself wake up again and come out of that fog. I think I’m finally ready for more intentional and life-giving rhythms to return even though I honestly have to say that there was relief in releasing them all for a season. So I’m starting to invite them back - especially the spiritual ones.

Yet I sense they must come back more gently this time - one of the first being Sabbath.

This week I have been thinking a lot about what Sabbath might look like in this new season. You see, there aren’t as many littles at home any more. I’m older. Life has happened. I’ve got bumps and bruises and spiritual practices don’t seem as cut and dry as they used to. Honestly, I feel a bit like I need to put the training wheels back on as I wrestle this fully human “me” back into a new and regular spiritual-practicing being once again. It has to look different this time. I have to tip-toe back in. But how?

There was a season when I expected all spiritual practices to yield something, therefore they somehow felt like work. Good work, but still work. Today, I just need them to be.

I love this description of Sabbath.

“The galaxy will somehow manage without us for this hour, this day, and so we are invited - nay, commanded - to relax, and enjoy our relative unimportance, our humble place at the table in a very large world…” - Peter Scazzero

So, as I tip-toe back in

• I am going to choose to remember that Sabbath is about relaxing into delight more than it is about willing myself to cease something.

• I’m going to be more okay with moving into comfort, joy and the things that soothe me, believing that they aren’t indulgent if I’m not using them to run away from Jesus but instead to run deeper into his arms.

• I’m going to recognize that Jesus loves to join me in my delight and I’m going to invite him into each moment.

• I’m going to take baby steps back towards the things that matter and away from the “noise” for the sake of my soul.

The world brings me delight.

Because of this, I think that one of the first baby steps back into my spiritual practice of Sabbath is going to be about setting aside time every day to hide my phone and computer and curl up with a good book that transports me into stillness and joy and quiets my crazy mind. I will light a candle to remind me that Jesus is with me and just breathe.

For this, I have a summer reading wish list, and I will share it below, but I also want your help. What books have you read and LOVE that offer a delightful and/or challenging perspective on the world? Please leave your recommendation in the comment section. I really want to know.

Here’s my current summer reading wish list.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59469433-the-temporary-european

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/57501189-a-spacious-life

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57933338-violeta

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/311089.The_Critical_Journey

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/137852.Four_Seasons_in_Rome

Where do you find delight?

Maybe it seems a bit odd to you to pair travel, reading books and Sabbath. That’s totally fine. We all find our delight in different places. Maybe your delight is in baking bread or playing on the floor with your kids. Maybe your heart leaps on a mountain trail or fishing on the edge of a lake. If you’re feeling anything like me and sense a need to relax, disconnect and then reconnect with something deep within, I’m guessing you know exactly where your Sabbath journey need to start.

Go and enjoy your “relative unimportance.” Give yourself permission to take a break and delight in regular and tangible ways that you can sustain. Invite Jesus along for the journey. And whatever movement towards a Sabbath practice you choose, may it feel to you like walking with God in the cool of the day.

Happy Tuesday travels!

Amy

ps…again, I need some great book recommendations that invoke the travel spirit. Please share.

Traveling the World for Almost Free ebook is here!