Sabbath: A Biblical Approach to Nourishing Friends and FamilySample

In winter, I swing wildly between one extreme of hibernating under several layers of quilts and only eating soup that has simmered on the stove for a minimum of six hours with homemade buttered bread, to another extreme of longing to be elbow deep in some potting soil with a basket full of seeds and my wagon full of starter plants.

On our homestead, spring doubles our work because, while all winter we are concentrating on the inside of the house, spring is the season to get everything started outdoors so that we can have cut flowers and fresh strawberries in the summer.

Of course, in my fantasy dream life, I’m wearing a long skirt with a sun hat, lovingly planting seeds in the ground, and tending to the greenhouse with the air and care of a farmer Mary Poppins.

What it actually looks like is me popping Tylenol because weeding and planting are backbreaking work. And we won’t even talk about all the other chores that pop up after the snow melts: fence repair, chicken coop repairs, repainting, weed abatement for fire prevention, and so much more.

So, I find it very helpful, especially in the busyness of the spring, to find every way possible to lighten my load. A lightened load means more time to be present and envision the tasks before me with fresh eyes. It’s so very easy to spend our time missing the last season or dreaming about the next one, but there is so much wisdom in the Old Testament that says be in the season you are in.

Prayer

Lord, I welcome winter to my home and to my table. I open my heart and my hands to the rhythms You have created.

Lord, help me to see the gifts of this season. I ask that winter brings a fresh creative spark through stews, cookies, and casseroles.

May my home be filled with joy and cheer that outlasts the season.

In the long stretch of cold and dark, I ask for strength and endurance.

May all who eat at this table be reminded of Your constant provision, in this season and the seasons to follow.

Amen.