Scripture: Leviticus 25:1-4
The LORD said to Moses on Mount Sinai, Speak to the Israelites and say to them: Once you enter the land that I am giving you, the land must celebrate a sabbath rest to the LORD. You will plant your fields for six years, and prune your vineyards and gather their crops for six years. But in the seventh year the land will have a special sabbath rest, a Sabbath to the LORD: You must not plant your fields or prune your vineyards.
Thought for the Day: The land, according to Jewish teaching, is to receive a Sabbatical. Even in ancient times, the necessity of soil getting a break was recognized. This passage, set alongside others that speak of honoring the Sabbath day, attempt to communicate a pattern and order to creation. We are all wired – humans, animals and even the natural order – for rest. Even when we love what we do (which I love my job), if we do not pause and allow ourselves to replenish and renew, there might not be much to give. Whether it is soil, a tree or human beings, we are all made of the same basic building blocks. There was some real wisdom in these ancient words long before there were microscopes and atomic theory. All comes from dust and all will return to dust according to Ecclesiastes. This is all to say that if you treat your lawn better than you treat yourself, it is time to recognize that both deserve care and rest.
Prayer: Let me make time, not for other craziness, but for true rest. May I find it in you, Merciful Creator. Amen.
