A post by Don Bryant at From My Heart, Out Of My Mind brought back many wonderful memories. In all my years on this beautiful planet earth, I have never once had regret about keeping the Sunday set apart before I came apart. It is one of those ‘holy habits’ my parents instilled in me and I’m ever so thankful.
Oh, of course, as teens we sometimes mocked our parents for their sense of ‘duty’ or legalistically keeping the Sunday! We soon realized, however, that the time spent in fellowship with family, with other believers, by ourselves reading, writing in our journal, playing our instrument, singing together around the piano, going for a leisurely walk to the park, alone or with a friend, were not only a valuable spiritual discipline, but met the needs of our emotional and physical life as well.
Sundays were always wonderful days - with the exception of a few sad ones. We got to wear 'Sunday-go-to-meeting' clothes. They were different from our normal school or play clothes. There was usually a simple, but most scrumptious meal after the church service. We were not rich, we were immigrants from Germany in the fifties, but dad was a good provider. The whole family sat around the table together and we had great times of discussion. We learned how to set a lovely table, serve the meal, work together on the clean up! More refined etiquette and table manners were fine-tuned at those meal events. We learned how to say grace, out loud, giving thanks before our meal. We learned how to contribute to conversation and wait our turn. Often, we invited friends, whole families, for dinner and spent the afternoon together, which taught us to be generous, extend hospitality and build community. Some Sundays they returned the favor and invited our whole family!!
All our married life, Sundays were a day of rest from our regular responsibilities and putting our focus on faith, family, and friends! The fellowship with believers, the excellent teaching of God's Word and the joy of participating in ministry, are a wonderful treasure. Even though times have changed, our children and their families do believe in the day of rest and setting it apart from other days. Will our grandchildren?? It is my heartfelt prayer that they would see the benefits of this 'holy habit' as my mom used to call it!
What do you do to set time apart to refresh your spirit, soul and body?
7 comments:
I once had German friends. As they say...once a friend-a friend for life. That's what the Germans are like. Well that is what they said. :)
I remember when I was little, after church, we would go to Stacey's buffet for lunch and just sit there til nightfall! hahahahahahaha! I remember all that yummy jell-o in those jell-o bowls! yummmmm....
Can that count as setting apart on Sunday???? :)
I too have been raised to keep Sunday as a day of rest.Worship service in the morning and doing special things the rest of the day.I hope we don't ever lose this,but I'm afraid we may be well on our way to that end.The younger generation does not keep that day of rest as much.:(
Blessings,Ruth
I grew up the same way, Karin. My family was religious--and we never missed Sunday School and church. Back in those days, most businesses were closed on Sunday. Not so today!!!
When I grew up and had kids of my own, I worked fulltime for the church. SO--the kids were involved with everything we did. I do think that was hard for them at times since I DID spend so much time at the church and helping everyone except myself and my children. Today, unfortunately, although my sons are Christians and lead a good life, none of them are very involved with a church. That saddens me--but churchwork did eat me alive ---and I'm sure that God would have wanted me to have a more-balanced life at the time. Oh Well--can't cry over spilt milk! ha
Hugs,
Betsy
Sit on our comfortable sofa and read.
Just hang out in the house with my wife and one child still left at home.
Work in my garden in the back yard.
Learning to pray more.
I was raised in the same way. My parents still consider it wrong to work on Sunday. My mother will fuss at me if she learns I've been out in the yard on Sunday.
Great post, Karin! Some Sundays are not always so restful around here. Although, for the last month most have been. This is something we have been trying to change. After all, we have six other days of the week and Sunday should be set apart. I didn't grow up in a Christian family, however, Sunday was restful and we were not doing the same things a the rest of the week. And I remember I wasn't allowed to ride my bike on a Sunday. :-)
Thank you all for sharing how it's been for you! There was a time I had to work Sundays - in a care centre setting or hospital - but then I needed to have another day to refresh my spirit - even if it wasn't Sunday. God is good and sees our hearts! He helps us to do His will. I so appreciate your contributing thoughts.
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