Word and Deed: Thoughts on Faith-Based Leadership

Sabbath's Sacred Six

Summer is often the most popular time to take a vacation and I'm sure most of you have enjoyed basking in the warmth of the sun or have shared precious hours with relatives and friends basking in the warmth of their love and friendship. Some say that if you're too busy to take a vacation, you're way too busy!

Although summertime vacations offer annual opportunities for relaxation, leaders need to rest and create time for Sabbath more than once a year—whether it is a two week vacation or two minutes to breathe and meditate. Wayne Muller, in his book Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal and Delight in Our Busy Lives, says that "Sabbath is a time to stop, to refrain from being seduced by our desires. To stop working, stop making money, stop spending money. See what you have. Look around. Listen to your life". As faith-based leaders, you are invited to consider the Sabbath in the following ways:

1. Make time to cultivate mindfulness through prayer and meditation.
2. Care and compassion requires time and attention--don't neglect your own!
3. We work more hours, we buy more things, and the economy prospers. The next time you purchase something, ask yourself "Do I really need more, or am I trying to fill a spiritual void?"
4. Consider the idea of desiring less and less instead of more and more.
5. If you're a spiritual seeker, why not become a finder? Experience what it's like to be still and find yourself.
6. Taste the fruit of the Tree of Happiness by giving the gift of "enough". If you want more and more, and continue to grasp and desire and need ever-increasing amounts of goods and services, it is neither a virtue nor a road to happiness.

Shirley Nelson

Earlier Columns

• The Sacred Seven, July 2005
• The Faithful Five, August 2005