This week marks the beginning of a new adventure of discovery together for us. We will begin exploring what Sabbath truly means and how we can go about developing the intentionality needed to  commit to practicing Sabbath in our busy world. What a great topic to study over the summer!

Last week we spent our time together talking about what Sabbath means to each of us. We started by saying one word that we connect with Sabbath. Some of the words mentioned included: rest, restorative, intentional, outside, routine, and candles. We then each had a chance to elaborate on why we connect that word to Sabbath and what Sabbath means to us. In our small group we had a wide range of meanings for this practice. Everything from taking a day off with no cell phones or internet to digging holes and doing yard work. I'm eager to see how our understandings of Sabbath grow as we learn together this summer.

To guide us on our journey, we will be reading Sabbath by Dan Allender. This book is part of a series of books called the Ancient Practices Series. I had the privilege of reading this book several years ago and I recall fondly the immense impact it had on my life and I look forward to reflecting on that as we read it once again and seeing where it leads us as a community.

I will leave you with a quote by Phyllis Tickle, the editor of Sabbath. She writes this in the introduction:

"What has happened for me in working with this manuscript is a transposition of the Sabbath from rule and commanded observance to holy romp and secret playground where each visit only adds another level of delight."

I am so excited to discover that secret playground and holy delight with my Spare Key friends. We will keep you posted on our reflections along the way!