Celebration

The turkey is roasting, the sweet and sour red cabbage - done. All that's left is the dressing, mashed potatoes and baked acorn squash. Oh and the gravy.

Tonight's meal compliments of Rosh Hashana, Shabbat and a change in the weather - autumn time. Celebration time.

And there is much to celebrate. It's a new year. 5772 according to the Jewish calendar.  Shana tova umetukah. A good and sweet year. New beginnings.

Well, let me back up a little. Actually Autumn came early this year. September 1st to be exact. All 6 pounds 7 ounces of her. Perfect. Tiny. Beautiful. And quite a surprise. You see her due date was September 23rd - the first day of fall. But G~d in His mercy and compassion saw to it that she was to be delivered safely. So you can see why it's a time of celebration.

Tonight Les will pronounce the blessing over the bread and the wine as well as spend some time in thanksgiving. 

Bless ADONAI, my soul! Everything in me, bless His holy name!  Bless ADONAI, my soul, and forget none of His benefits! He forgives all your offenses, He heals all your diseases, He redeems your life from the pit, He surrounds you with grace and compassion, He contents you with good as long as you live, so that your youth is renewed like an eagle's.~Psalm 103~

I'm sitting in my livingroom listening to Craig Taubman - waiting for sundown so I can light my candles and begin the wonderful 24 hour period of Shabbat. It's been a busy week. Today was a full day. I am ready to rest.

And I ponder - why are so many resistant to receiving the gift of Shabbat or Sabbath given by G~d? I've heard all the reasons and excuses. I just scratch my head.

Not long ago I was one of those who fell into bed exhaused on Friday night, got up on Saturday with a full schedule, ran full tilt all day only to stay up too late because there was always one more thing to get done. Then came Sunday. Up for church and all the obligations waiting for me there. By Sunday night I bemoaned the  obvious realization that Monday was too close for comfort and with it another long week ahead.

Is this really how our Creator meant it to be? He rested. And He told us to rest too.

I just don't buy the "Jesus is our day of rest." Well yes, Yeshua did provide rest for my searching soul. But my spirit needs my body and my mind to stop long enough so I can remember. How can He renew my mind and restore my body if I can't even sit down long enough to allow Him a moment of my time?

For most of us it's just easier to take a pill or gulp another Starbucks and keep going. Ouch. I'm stepping on toes here aren't I?

Well, no more cooking, cleaning, shopping, bill paying, worrying (did I mention I give myself permission to put that on hold too?) until Saturday around 8 pm. Time to light those candles.