Oasis In Time

On the seventh day God was finished with his work which he had made, so he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. God blessed the seventh day and separated it as holy; because on that day God rested from all his work which he had created, so that it itself could produce. Genesis 2:2-3 (CJB)

Shabbat shalom. Peace on the Sabbath.

Shalom. Completeness, wholeness, peace, health, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, fullness, rest, harmony; the absence of agitation or discord, a state of calm without anxiety or stress.

Shabbat. An oasis in time. The Queen of Days. Permission to take a deep breath, turn off the noise, slow down and connect with the Creator.

Jerusalem is a bustling metropolis. Taxis and buses vie for space among the bumper to bumper traffic. Pedestrians line the streets. A moving sea of humanity. Vendors sell their wares, mothers with babies in strollers push along the sidewalk clipping the heels of professionals, late for important meetings. Men draped in black, peyos flying on their way to the Kotel rush for afternoon prayers. Voices mix with auto horns. The pulsating pound of music vibrates windows.

And then it stops. Doors close and lock, booths shut down. All is quiet.  Its Friday, its four o’clock and time to set sail for the island of refreshment.

The sun sets and candlelight takes it place. Women welcome the Queen with a wave of their hands over the dancing flames, cover their eyes and bless God for allowing them and their families this time together. Fathers bless the bread, the wine, their wives and children. Savory and sweet delights fill bowls and are passed along the table. Laughter, song, joy fill the evening. It’s Shabbat.

And it doesn’t end. In the cool of the morning, the only sounds are birds and undefiled conversation as men and women stroll along the once hurried streets. Some on their way to synagogue, some to spend the day with family or friends. Parks, only a day before loud with sports and competition now welcome circles of children, young and old couples, picnic baskets and blankets.

This oasis in time––island of refreshment is good for the soul.

 How many times do we find that we are just as tired on Monday as we were on Friday? Where did the weekend go, we lament as we tick off our activities. The tyranny of the urgent crushes our hearts and wears down our spirits. Is there no rest for the weary?

Most of us can’t stroll down a quiet street in Jerusalem, but we all can create an oasis in time––an island of refreshment. It takes a desire, a first step.

Could it be, our Heavenly Father––our Abba has set a table for us at the end of our necessity and beckons us to join Him?

What can you do to begin a new journey towards a Shabbat shalom?