I have this idea for a book. I’d call it Saturday Afternoon at 4.

It occurs to me that different times of the week have a different ‘feel’. We know of the feel of Monday morning or Friday afternoon. So many days are consumed with normal activities. We have scheduled meetings, habits, routines that fill the time. And when we have finished our work or chores, it’s time to ready ourselves for the morrow.

And then comes Saturday. Many do not work, but there are chores and errands. Towards the afternoon, after cutting the grass, yard sales, and shopping, the day slows down. Saturday at 4 comes.

It’s a time we need. Isn’t that why God created the Sabbath? From that first week when God rested after creation to the great Exodus account of the Ten Commandments, the Sabbath is vital and foundational for God’s people. One day in seven to rest. One day in seven not only to honor and worship God, but as Jesus points out, a day for us....a day we need. To rest. To re-charge. To restore.

What I love about Saturday at 4 is the unhurried nature of it. My mind is free to just be. It’s a time for dreams and reflection, what Paul would term the renewal of the mind.

At the same time, there is some rebellion to the idleness. We are creatures of actions, slaves to busy-ness. Keeping a time of rest is important. Important to honor God, but also important for the care of self.

Society has changed. Sunday as a day of rest is long gone. And for clergy, rest is lacking. That is why Saturday means so much.

It is important for us to claim some Sabbath. Carve out a day of rest and restoration. Live for God and you, and not in response and reaction to a hectic society. Find your time and make it yours. Make it sacred time...for it is.

******************************

One morning recently, Jerry Pigue, Troy Kilpatrick, Carnes Flatt, Billy Stuart, and John Carneal converged on the thicket in the fence row. And Larry Monroe passed by and lent a hand as well. We thank them for their effort.

It reminds me of a story. In a neighborhood was a vacant lot. The weeds and undergrowth had gone wild. Bottles, cans and trash littered the lot.
People of the community, worried about their children playing there, and, offended by the eyesore, got together and cleaned it up. Shrubs and flowers were planted and trees were pruned. Soon, it was completely transformed.

A passerby commented on the loveliness. "Isn’t it wonderful what God can do?"
One of the women who had worked hours replied, "You should have seen it when He had it by Himself."

The Lord blesses us abundantly, but He enlists our help to bless the World.