When Snowmegeddon​​ Shuts Down Your City​ For Sabbath

It’s 8PM on Sunday night. The sleet still hits the windowpane sending a shiver through my body as I warm up near the woodstove. My whole family is sleeping. It’s 8PM. Don’t let that reality be lost on you.

An anticipated “Snowmageddon” threatening upwards of 65-75 centimeters of snow shut down most of the city today, including all the churches. It’s Sunday. Some creatives ran services Saturday night, some had something streamlined for Sunday morning, others posted things on social media to prayerfully consider.

I was quiet, for hours. I rested, for hours. I opened up my Bible and asked God, “Please, speak.” Oh, it wasn’t perfect, don’t get that impression, I have 4 kids under 12, two of which are getting over illnesses, a terribly behaved puppy and a sick husband, but I hit “pause”. I had Sabbath.

Like a child wrangling and thrashing against her parent forcing a nap upon her, I fight what I know is good for me, what I know I need. Yet, I also run to the grocery store to collect the necessary (you know, my husband’s storm chips) things and prepare almost excitedly, to hit “pause” for the storm.

But now, as I sit by the fire listening to my house sleep, I fight the battle inside me looking toward tomorrow. Because I rested today there is so much I didn’t do to get our family ready for the week ahead.

But we shouldn’t feel so desperate at days’ end.
Desperate for sleep.
Desperate for quiet.
Desperate to read.
Desperate to play.
Desperate to just “be” with our loves for a bit.
Desperate not to rush into tomorrow.
Desperate to clean.
Desperate to prepare.
Desperate to be organized.
Desperate to prove.
We shouldn’t be so desperate.

Jesus says ” Follow me and I will teach you the unforced rhythms of grace.” This race I run most days is forced.

Thank you “Snowmageddon” for Sabbath. Teach me Lord to slow down and hit “pause” long enough to recover from this life.

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me- watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.

Matthew 11:28-30 MSG

What are you afraid will happen if you hit “pause”?