True Sabbath

Today was a day of sabbath. That means we did not travel anywhere, but received the gift of the day - to do whatever we wanted to do. It was a wonderful way to prepare ourselves for our journey tomorrow to the city - to Jerusalem.

We have such as diverse group of pastors. Each has their own idea of rest and sabbath. To David it is running 15 miles, to Richard it is riding a bike around the lake and stopping to swim when the waters call to him. For others like Dwight it is reading, eating, and sleeping and for Kilen it is doing absolutely nothing. For Nancy it was taking a break from the computer and her camera, for Ruth H. it was playing on her computer. Some joined others to witness everyday life here in Israel. For many of us, like myself, it was revisiting sites we've missed and doing it slowly this time - spending time reflecting and seeing the other pilgrims from all around the world joining us to find our connection to God, to each other, and to ourselves. (My favorite experience is Jack's at Mt.Tabor - a true shepherd who prayed for each of his people and his church - Mt.Tabor on Mt.Tabor.)

For me, one of the things I did was to do something out of character. I put down my book and put on my swimming suit and went swimming in the Sea of Galilee. It was an incredible experience - especially when it is 105 degrees outside. It was amazing to be swimming in the same waters that Jesus walked on, Jesus commanded to be still, and where Jesus "fished" in his own special way.

Tomorrow we go up to Jerusalem. After all that we have seen and experienced here, we are preparing our hearts for a new place and new adventures. Join us this day as we continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem - Psalm 122