Sabbath Rest and COVID Reflection

Those who follow this blog will note that I have not posted a sermon the past two weeks.  This will remain through to mid-September.  Lutheran Bishops and their assistants across Canada have taken turns to provide a sermon for each week.  The intent is to allow clerics to take some much needed rest/vacation time, and allow them to be filled by the Word. I am taking Friday and Saturdays as vacation days - so far a blessing.  For access to hearing the Word from the Bishops visit 

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEaqcptLthDll5SjpDy9HUUl0RQKnGmkO

I am grateful for their gift!

As I enter a sabbath rest, I realize how much I have changed over the past three months.  I am in a schedule that is comfortable in a sense that it marks my days with a structure and purpose. I am enjoying how the church has adapted to the world in which we find ourselves. I have initiated practices (many of them only wishful thinking before COVID) that I hope to keep as life continues to change.

I practice being more efficient and 'less' productive/busy.

I practice quelling the need to do more, prove myself, do things because I feel I have to or should, do things because of perceived expectations.

I practice managing fear - my own and others.

I practice deepening discipleship - my own and with others.

I practice patience with myself and others.

I practice sharing tasks and asking for help.

I practice caution and sacrifice of wants for the common good.

I practice showing my real face, rather than masking feelings and 'being strong.'

I practice rest and calm while 'doing nothing.'

I practice saying 'no.'

I practice letting go.

I practice being comfortable with a lack of control.

I practice accepting an unknown future.

I practice gratitude!

I practice silence and listening to others.....

...until September.

Hugs and Son-shine