For many of us in central London, August is as close as we get to a collective break in work. While work mostly continues (unlike the Parisians!), many regular groups and projects pause. August is often an opportunity to catch up on the things that are important but not urgent.
The concept of Sabbath is deeply rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition. In my previous role, I had a colleague who was an orthodox rabbi. On Friday afternoons he and his family would return to their home. Food would be prepared in slow cookers, lights would be turned on to timers, car keys would be put away and mobile phones and computers would be turned off. By sundown the family was ready to do nothing else but to gather, to pray, to eat and to talk with each other and to prepare for their Sabbath worship at home and in the Synagogue.
Taking a full day off is a well-loved tradition in many Christian homes too. I have been thinking recently about the potential to have a Technology Sabbath… an evening each week where screens are turned off. No checking emails, no catching up on box sets or surfing the web. What would happen if we all took Saturday evenings as a Tech Sabbath? The chance to read… old fashioned reading in more than 140 character chunks. The chance to talk… old fashioned talking where we have time to truly listen to our family and friends without having to move on to the next task. And the chance to prepare our hearts to join together in church to worship on Sunday morning. We say the term “current affairs junkie” as if it is a compliment. Sabbath is a reminder that the world will continue (including national and international news) without our involvement.
On the seventh day of Creation, we are told God rests, not because God needs it but as an example for us. Not just because we need rest from work but because deep down we need rest from everything else apart from the Eternal God. Happy Holidays!
Revd Sally Hitchiner
