WHAT A SABBATICAL CAN DO

What a Sabbatical Can Do

by Janis Cox

 “But in the seventh year the land is to have a year of sabbath rest, a sabbath to the Lord. Do not sow your fields or prune your vineyards” (Leviticus 25:4, NIV).

This past week I took a sabbatical from blogging. I thought I had finished up all the odds and ends – and had made my Friday post for UTCOP. Well I didn’t. So here I am late Friday night – but I finally did remember. I believe I will continue to do this Sabbatical – every 7 weeks  and stop blogging – and maybe even go off social networking. Each week I post 6 times a week at He Cares for Us. I also put up posts 3 times a week here at UTCOP. And I write once a week at Family and Faith Matters. I also write at Inscribe Writers Online once a month. So I need the break.

For 7 days I did not blog. We travelled from Arizona to Canada (by plane); babysat our grandkids for 6 days; and drove back to our home in Haliburton. Then we needed to put everything away and try to reorganize. Empty fridge; empty freezer; empty cupboards. A new start.

I am so thankful that I didn’t try to blog during this time. I loved my time away from my computer. I did do some learning but mostly I read and relaxed.

God wants us to take time away – to be refreshed.

What do you do to refresh your spirit?

I want to be intentional in my Sunday Sabbath times as well. I am planning to shut my den door and keep away from the computer. At least that is my intention. I will tell you next week whether I succeed.

As much as I love blogging and connections – my first priority is to find His will. In order to do that I must be in His Word, prayerful, and listening.

Blessings to all our readers.

Prayer: 

Thank You Lord for this time of refreshing. Thank You for teaching us to take breaks, and live. Help us to be watchful for Your guiding hand and be ready to obey when you call. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN.

I love this praise song. Unashamed Love by Jason Morant.

Here are some lyrics:

You’re calling me to lay aside the worries of my day
To quiet down my busy mind and find a hiding place
Worthy, You are worthy

Lyrics from <a href=”http://www.elyrics.net”>eLyrics.net</a>

Janis Cox

Janis Cox - Author and Illustrator

Jan, a former school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement. She has published two devotionals and a number of articles for magazines and a Bible study. She is owner of Under the Cover of Prayer and moderates the site. Jan has completed a children’s book called Tadeo Turtle. She is the watercolour illustrator. Word Alive has published Tadeo Turtle. See more information at Jan’s Website.

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7 comments

  1. I loved this blog!! You do such an amazing job of all your blogs but, like you, I need to get away from the computer and send time with my husband and family. Thanks so much. Rose Harmer

  2. Good for you, Janis! I’m a big fan of Sabbath rest (in a non-legalistic way!) and I agree — mental rest from the computer can make a huge difference. Have you read Mark Buchanan’s The Rest of God? Very encouraging.

    1. Thanks Janet,
      I believe I will continue this practice. Time to do other things – focus on God even more than I do. I will put Mark’s book on my list to read.

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