“The creation of the world was like the life-quickening inhale; the Sabbath is the exhale. Thus, in a beginning, all creation moves with the rhythm of the inhale and the exhale. Without the Sabbath exhale, the life-giving inhale is impossible.” ~ from Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in our Busy Lives by Wayne Muller
We’re moving into those long lazy days of August. The lighting begins to soften in the afternoon, late summer asters begin their blooming, and many crops begin to yield their fruits. It is, in my opinion, one of the most glorious months of the year. August is that month when many people take vacation and begin the process of exhaling from a year of labor.
Starting on August 5th a group of us will gather for six Tuesdays to discuss the book Sabbath by Wayne Muller. In this book the author explains the tradition of Sabbath and shares with us 21st century people how Sabbath can be possible in our busy, and sometimes harried, lives. The most important message from Muller is how essential it is to step back from human time once a week to renew our souls and relationship with God. Just as any human relationship needs care, so too, must we engage with God to keep our life in God fortified.
In mid-August I will be taking four days to facilitate programming at the adult camp week at Horton Center called “Lighten Up, Loosen Up.” This week is designed for adults to come to Pine Mountain and do whatever they want – they can sit on Madison porch and read all day, hike around the mountains, do activities with the very talented staff or take workshops with the program facilitators that week. The only requirement is to join us for meals and worship. I look forward to this time on the mountain. It is quite peaceful up there and also a place that is filled with awe.
As a church we will have our annual church picnic on August 17th at Bear Brook State Park, following worship. The picnic will be a time of fellowship coupled with a chance to do some visioning for the coming year. We will also be participating in Old Home Day again. The praise band will play and our prayer booth will be doing its good work providing prayers to those who seek us out.
In the meantime, my prayer for all of us is that we take the time to rest in God’s beauty this month. May we sit in the softening light of afternoon and watch the dragonflies flit through the air. May we take in the scents of summer and know peace. Most especially, may we exhale.
God bless you,
Pastor Holly