Read- April 24, 2020

Scripture: Exodus 16:23-26

Read the below passage from Smelly Van, Sore Legs and Other Hazards of Taking a Sabbath by Christine V. Hides:

The appeal of camping for me is being able to embrace a different rhythm, unplug, and spend time together as a family. While roughing it in the outdoors one September weekend, I read Sabbath in the Suburbs by MaryAnn McKibben Dana. I felt “Sabbath-ly� when I turned off my phone and didn’t stress about bedtime, wake-up time, meal time, the rain that came as we cooked over the campfire, the dirt, and not even when people returned gear to the wrong, carefully labelled boxes.

Once we we’re back to reality, the phrase from the book that stuck in my head was, “You know you’ve had a good Sabbath when it leaves a residue.� In fact, I repeated that every time I got in my van for months because the cooler leaked. Cheese water leaves a very distinct smell.

Once home, I plowed through the laundry and dishes, stashing everything away for next year. In the process I discovered a residue had been left on my heart, too. A peaceful, grateful, happy, rested feeling that survived 2 (count ’em, 2!!) mornings of getting everyone off to school without a major crisis.

Our girls, one now in college, still enjoy camping with us. Slowing down and savoring those fleeting moments was a wonderful break from the daily grind of “do your homework, clean your room, eat some vegetables, ...� parenting. A photo from this trip shows my 12-year-old, holding my hand while on a morning walk. Sabbath residue lingers a good, long while.

After reading the passage, discuss these questions:

• What unexpected moments of family connection have you found while spending more time at home?
• What restful rhythms have you been able to embrace?