Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you busy keeping up with New Year’s resolutions you made, in addition to your already busy schedule?
Matthew 11:28 says “Come to me all who are weary, and I will give you rest.” The third commandment is “Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy” where God commands us to take a day of rest. So, how do you rest? Are you resting?
An afternoon of rest for all ages is planned at First Lutheran on Sunday, February 4, from Noon-6:00 PM. Come and stay for as long as you can to rest and recharge.
There will be several self-guided activities for you to take a pause from the chaos. A prayer labyrinth will be set up for you to walk and breath prayers to help you de-stress and relax. Coloring activities, puzzles, blank paper for journaling or writing poetry and devotional materials will be available for you to use alone or as a family. There will be quiet spce with pillows and blankets and dimmed lights with a “fire” blazing on the TV for you to snuggle up and sleep, read, or put in your earbuds and unplug for a while. There will also be guided body prayers, like yoga, with hot coffee, tea, cocoa and finger food available for your enjoyment. You are also invited to bring your own quiet hobby, such as crocheting, knitting, reading and find a comfortable warm and cozy spot to hang out. For families with young children, there will be short movies and activities from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM to give parents a chance to rest. Children may come and go during this time as parents’ schedules permit. “Mini Sabbath” cards will be provided for you to take home and use throughout the year, as needed, so you can remember to rest.
As Psalm 46:10 (Message Translation) tells us, “Step out of the traffic! Take a long loving look at me, your High God…” We hope you will find a rest practice that will help carry you through 2024 and beyond. Now Go and…Rest.
