My Sabbath Year

 

 This year I was able to experience an opportunity that is quite rare.  I had a chance at a year of jubilee.  While it wasn't quite an exact jubilee, the term comes from the Jewish custom of setting aside a time of liberty, restitution and simple living.

As we sold our home and moved to a new city, I had the privilege of taking off the year to settle in.  In a way, it was kind of like a second maternity leave.  My focus was on establishing a home, getting to know a new community, and re-examining my own life and intentions to see what was next for me.  This last aspect has been the best thing about this year.  Without meaning to, I stumbled upon a re-awakening of myself, kind of like a rebirth.

In those early child-rearing years, it is so easy to lose sight of yourself.  In a way you have to.  You are suddenly thrust into putting aside your needs and wants to ensure that your little people grow and thrive and just stay alive!  With twins, this was such a shock and I definitely think I lost sight of so many parts of myself in the anxiety and busyness of the past 5 years.  As we settled into Calgary and got through the move, I really was able to take the time to look at my own life again, not in a selfish -  grabbing at my 'needs' kind of way - but in a way that I found myself returning to parts of myself that had been hidden for a while.  It was kind of like dusting off an old book that used to be a favorite and re-reading it and finding yourself in love all over again.

In the space that this time allowed, I found myself rekindling my love for God, and resting in Him again.  I attended a soul care conference and found freedom from lies in my life (liberty).  I purged things we don't need or use anymore and set up a home within our means that meets our needs (restitution).  And I rested.  I let my soul rest.  In the down time, I took full advantage to rest in ways that restored my soul (simple living).  I went for walks, runs, and hikes.  I read so many books.  I enjoyed my coffee with my Bible reading on a daily basis.  I had tea with new friends.  I napped.  I enjoyed the sunshine at the park with my kids.  I went to bed early so I could rise with the sun and feel rested.

And do you know what I found?

In all of the "work" that I had to do (cause being a stay-at-home mom IS filled with work)... in all of the monotony of life with little ones... in all of the hundreds of loads of laundry I did...

I found peace.  I found contentment.  I found Jesus.

As I awoke in the night to little ones who were sick or had a bad dream and needed mama's touch, I rubbed little backs and sang lullabyes - Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10)

As I scrubbed dishes upon dishes upon dishes (especially during the weeks when our dishwasher was broken down, I thought of the Lord and all He has given us - Bless the Lord, oh my soul, worship His holy name (Psalm 103:1)

As I engaged in small talk, meeting new parents at drop-off and pick-up from school, I saw the potential and spirit of God residing in others - He has made everything beautiful in its time.  He also has set eternity in the human heart.  (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

As I set up the new house, I created a home of peace and safety and beauty, in which we can all express ourselves - As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15)

As I cleaned the house daily, often whining and complaining, and brought order out of chaos - Fill the earth and subdue it (Gen. 1:28)

As I explored the city, discovering new trails and parks and fun activities for the family - The earth is the Lord's and everything in it (Psalm 24:1)

As I awoke early with the rising sun, even when my body felt tired, and trudged out of bed to warm the home with steamy oatmeal and a morning greeting for my kids - The steadfast love of the Lord never ends; His mercies never come to an end.  They are new every morning; Great is your faithfulness oh Lord (Lam 3:22-23).

This has been my Sabbath rest.  I know that I will always remember and treasure this special year.