On the sixth day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation
–Gen 2:2-3

As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
–John 15:9-11

God rested.

Possibly the most affirming words in all of scripture. Only to be outdone by the fact that God created, rested, and then looked around and declared it good. In the act of rest, God appreciated creation. And in so doing, eliminated any question as to why “remembering the sabbath and keeping it holy” is one of God’s holy commandments.

When we make time in our lives and schedules to enjoy and appreciate God’s creation, we honor the sabbath and engage with God in life giving ways. Appreciation is an act of praise. There is joy to be found in noticing God’s handiwork when we allow ourselves to be awed by mountain views, glorious sunsets, and a sky filled with stars.

We are actively in relationship with God when tears flow as our newest grandchild curls their hand around our finger, we rest in God’s promise.

When the smile from a stranger alters the course of our day, we rest in God’s promise.

When we see an animal in its habitat and all we want to do is observe it for a minute more, we rest in God’s promise.

When we step aside from the toil of labor of our daily commitments and permit ourselves to find joy in and with the blessings of creation that God has surrounded us with, we rest in God’s promise.

I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday as the words from Genesis 2:1-3 and John 15:9-15 remind us of who we are and whose we are. We will find joy together as we abide in the presence of the holy. God created it all and took time to rest and enjoy. May we create a moment this weekend to do the same.

Brett