Unplugging: A Time for Sabbath

 


     Adults talk about unplugging and what comes to mind first is putting down cell phones and walking away from the computer. But when it comes to children, parents already have been alerted to the dangers of too much screen time by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Schools encourage screen-free events. Hopefully, we have already attempted to instill some good habits in our children when it comes to the use of technology, and they do not need to be “unplugged”.  What kind of “unplugging” then can we talk about with children?

 

    As involved in the life of God’s creation as God is, even God “unplugged” on the seventh day of creation and rested. The fifth commandment reminds us to keep the Sabbath holy. Jesus often went off sometimes by himself and sometimes with his disciples to “unplug” from the crowds and pressure of teaching. God ordained that there be a time of rest. This is very difficult in our present day as we have 24/7 everything – stores, communication, travel, jobs, even online schooling, and sports.

 

   So, when do we as families “unplug”? Sure, we vacation but that often plugs us into a mad rush through Disney world or a frantic trip across the countryside. When do we as a family all stop what you are doing and rest? I remember as a child for my family it was between 2:00pm and 5:00pm on Sunday afternoons. After Sunday School, church, and Sunday dinner everyone took a nap or sat on the porch and talked. Very rarely did the family commit to any scheduling during that time. Nor were there chores to be done. It was a calm time of unplugging from everything else in which we were involved – homework, work, friends, chores, sports, band – and just resting, appreciating one another, and what God had given.

 

     We need to take Sabbath time. It does not have to be on the Sabbath (Saturday) nor on the Day of Resurrection (Sunday). It does not even have to be a whole day. Just set some regular time aside and as a whole family unplug from everything everyone does. Being away from everything recharges for the week to come. Today’s children are over structured and over scheduled going from one activity to another all week long and through the weekend. They benefit from this spiritual practice the most.

 

God of rest, help me to rest in you.

God of rest, help me to let others rest.

God of rest, ahhh, give me rest.

Amen.

  

Blessings,

Lynne Pabst

 

 

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