Abstract
While the notion of Sabbath will not be unfamiliar to most readers of this journal, the importance of embracing – and perhaps reconceptualizing – Sabbath as an essential element of responsive soul care might not emerge at the top of one’s list of self-care priorities. Yet, in order to serve those entrusted to our care with the very best we can offer, we must care responsively for ourselves (see Luke 10:27). Previously, I have made the case that embracing Sabbath is a critical component in a healthy, sustainable approach to nourishing self care for the Christian educator (Freytag, 2016). In an effort to refresh, renew, and re-envision my own engagement with Sabbath, I embarked on a deep, intentional exploration of the practice with fresh eyes and an intensified hunger for God. The essay that follows invites the reader into my personal journey. During a prolonged, purposeful Sabbath season, I learned the importance of creating time, place, and space for inhabiting Sabbath postures (rather than simply amassing additional Sabbath practices). The postures that emerged, which continue to influence my daily, weekly, and seasonal engagement with Sabbath were: Wait. Walk. Trust. Abide. Hope. Embracing these postures has enabled me to receive the transformative care that God so freely desires to lavish on me… when I slow down enough to notice. Slow Sabbath has had a transformative effect on the way that I care for myself, receive God’s care for me, and extend His care to others from a place of wholeness, with-ness, and flourishing.
Recommended Citation
Freytag, C. E.
(2024).
Slow Sabbath: An exploration of postures, places, and spaces for being with God, hearing His voice, and receiving His care.
International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal, 19(2).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55221/1932-7846.1341