The Practice of Saying NO

by Pastor Marty

Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy. The first holy thing in creation was not a people or a place but a day. Sabbath is for rest, or quite literally, work-stoppage. Sabbath is God’s gift to tired souls. It is a break in the cycle of filling up our calendars and running at a pace that is not sustainable. Sabbath gives us permission to say, “No, thank you…to one more thing!”

Theologian Barbara Brown Taylor writes about the practice of saying NO: “At least one day in every seven, pull off the road and park the car in the garage. Close the door to the toolshed and turn off the computer. Stay home not because you are sick but because you are well. Talk someone you love into being well with you. Take a nap, a walk, an hour for lunch.” (An Altar in the World)

The practice of saying NO!

We have seen enough craziness in 2020 to last a lifetime. There have been times that I have been sucked into this craziness. To be sure, we need to be informed about what is happening in our world, but at times, it becomes overwhelming and burdensome to our well-being. Sometimes we need to shut off our TV and radio, silence our phones, and close down our computers. As we slow down, our heart does as well! Sometimes we need to say No to the extra stuff in our life! We need sabbath!

In the days ahead, I invite you into that sabbath rest – take a nap, go for a walk, read a book, make soup, and spend quiet time with God. Tend to business of your soul. Rest.

The practice of saying NO…go ahead, try it! It might be just what you need!

-- Pastor Marty

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