Sabbath

For short times in the past, our family has observed a Sabbath of sorts. When Zach worked the weekends, Thursday was the day. Currently, it is from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday. I think it is so important to have a day of rest. We are not Sabbath pros by any stretch, but here are our basic guidelines: no elaborate meal preparations, no computer time, no projects or yard work, no shopping or researching...etc. Instead, we try to fill our time with playing music, taking naps, reading, praying for our kids, relaxing, and mostly just enjoying each other with the goal of having absolutely nothing tangible to show for the day.

Sometimes Zach and I will complain that we feel a lack of direction from God. But, I feel silly for complaining when I have such a hard time sitting still and listening for His voice. Today was like a breath of fresh air...such a relaxing day.

I love the book Mudhouse Sabbath by Lauren Winner, and in it, she talks about how frantic Fridays were in her house growing up...all of the preparations for the day of rest. I think that I will be doing a lot of cleaning on Fridays. It's hard (at least for me) to rest in a dirty and cluttered space. Oh, and Winner also says that in a Jewish family, the momma lights a candle at sundown on Friday and this signifies to the whole family know that the time of rest has begun. Mmm....maybe I'll start doing that. Once the momma lights the candle, it's time for playing games and laughing...no "work" for the next 24 hours.

World Wednesdays

A new tradition has started at the Wicar home. We call it "World Wednesdays." In order to help teach our children compassion for the poor, we are going to enjoy a very simple dinner every Wednesday. Tonight we are having lentils, rice, and fried onions. Over dinner we will discuss a certain country, or charity (like Heifer International), or what Jesus might have to say about the poor and/or social economics. Conveniently, Jesus talks more about social economics than any other topic in the new testament, so there should be plenty of material in a nearby Bible, if I don't plan a more formal lesson. I reserved a children's book from the library, called "Beatrice's Goat," so hopefully we will get to read that next Wednesday. Also www.questforcompassion.org is a website that has some fun interactive games to help (slightly older) children learn about poverty. Virtual poverty...gotta love it. There are three main things Zach and I hope to help teach our children: 1) God is real and he really loves you, 2) Compassion for the poor and the "least of these," and finally, 3) To love to read. Okay, maybe there are more than three :) I would love to hear any suggestions on how to make these meals more fun and meaningful. If you have any ideas or thoughts on trying something similar with your family, let me know :)