Remembering the Sabbath

Remembering the Sabbath

Posted by Ashley Hoover

The trail behind MTI. I walked this many times.

One of my favorite days at SPLICE the second week. We talked about embracing rest and Sabbath keeping. As missionaries (and anyone really) we can tend to stay so busy doing good things, speaking, doing ministry, training, raising support, etc. that rest can become easily forgotten or pushed aside because these other things need to get done. I'll admit I was a little worn out from all the ministry preparation that I've had to do over the past couple years but didn't think rest was a big area that needed attention. I quickly learned how important it is and it's probably the most important aspect of my ministry. If I don't take time to focus on God and my own relationship with Him then everything else I do for Him is pretty futile. On Thursday of the second week our instructor Robin told us to leave our computers, phones, watches even and just go spend the entire afternoon alone with God somewhere around MTI. There were a some questions and verses to look up and write down our thoughts on Sabbath keeping. I walked a couple miles down the trail running behind MTI to Palmer Lake, found a nice comfortable tree and climbed up to overlook the lake. I started to read through the questions and answer them. After the second page though I quit and just spent time doing nothing. I didn't tell God much except to thank Him for various blessings in my life. I just listened and let Him talk to me. It was such a great time and I realized this needs to be a regular part of my life. There may be days when my Sabbath isn't on a Sunday like most people but I've decided that one day a week I will consciously take time to just "be still" before God. I didn't know three hours of "nothing" could change my life like it did. But I can honestly say I can't wait for my day of rest now. It is such a special time. I would encourage you to make it a priority in your life also!

Mt. Hermon. The view from MTI was amzing.

Palmer Lake. (I use "lake" loosely, it's really more a pond. :))

Another view from Palmer Lake