Bible

I love Sundays. Actually, I need them.  They just have a different feeling about them, don’t they? It is day of the week our Father gave us to rest, recharge, and most importantly worship Him. I am sixty now and Sundays are extremely different than in “my day.” How about you? Do you see any difference in them?  What were and are your Sundays like?

“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God” Exodus 20:8-11 KJV

Growing up all of the stores were closed. Even restaurants were closed, too.  People treasured this Sabbath day to spend time going to church and with family or friends.  It was my and many other’ favorite day of the week. Gradually stores would begin to open at noon for a few hours. That was scandalous but tempting so people slowly went. The half days expanded into full days and restaurants had jumped aboard the train. That made for a lot of Sunday workers taken away from church and family, but don’t forget the shoppers, too.  You can’t have family time in a store, just ask my hubby.  I’m not innocent in the Sunday shopping situation. It is so convenient to go out to eat with family after church and even swing by a store on the way home.Before you start fussing at me, I realize there are people that must work on Sundays.  Where would we be with hospitals that closed on Sunday?  That would be a disaster!

When I was a child we went to big family Sunday dinners after church almost every week at my Mammaw’s farm.  Those times in the “country” were precious and memorable.  That’s where my cousins became my closest friends and almost like siblings. I learned to respect my elders, asked to be excused from the table, and held hands during Grace.  We ate dinner together as a big, happy (yes, we were) family and played outside afterwards.

 

I got to know each family member through personal interaction. Today families are going in all different directions making Sunday dinners near impossible. There are school activities, work schedules, hobbies, clubs, groups, and overnight sleepovers that get in the way. I miss big family gatherings on Sundays where we talked, played games, and just were. It was relaxing and gave me a sense of safety and belonging.  Maybe I will slowly bring that back for my family.

Sundays are a time to rest and nurture my body, mind, and spirit.  I love listening to a sermon and singing hymns and praises.  That helps not only my spirit but puts my mind at ease.  Sunday is the one day I strive not to work.  If it can wait, I let it.  I love reading my Bible or an inspirational Christian fiction.  When the weather permits, the perfect place for reading is on my back porch on my swing.  Listening to nature, feeling sunshine and a breeze with a good book while in my swing is a great way to recharge for the coming week.  It is a wonderful place to pray, also.  How about you?  What relaxes you?

This Lent I have been under conviction about Sundays. Not for you, but for myself.  Why do we have Sundays? Am I really keeping the Sabbath holy?  Everyone has his own idea on Sunday, and this is just mine.  What is easy or right for others might not be right for me. Jesus has done so much for me. He has given His life for us, even me – you, too. Jesus is there every minute of every day. If I am under conviction about Sundays then I need to listen and change. It won’t be easy, but once I have done this and given the Sabbath back to Him, oh what joy I will feel!

However you choose to spend your Sundays, I hope they provide you the rest and peace that God planned them to give.  Spend some of your day with Him.  It will be time well spent.