For the first time that I can remember in my adult life this was a Saturday with no planned errands. I did stop at the grocery, but didn't drop off dry cleaning, go to the post office, take a bag of clothes to the Salvation Army or do any of the usual or sporadic errands. I didn't write a check or pay a bill on-line.
I did go to services and then to lunch with friends in the neighborhood. Casual, spiritual, lovely and restful, as it should be. I did have plans afterwards to come home and start a short round of errands. Instead I joined a friend -- spontaneously -- for an iced coffee and watching folks walk on Broadway. It felt like being on vacation.
I do go to services regularly and I generally join friends for lunch, but I don't take the entire day as a sabbath. I have friends who do and they are unfailing in their endorsement of the concept. The new year begins in the Jewish calendar in three weeks. The month preceding the new year is a time of reflection. I hadn't focused on any specific goal -- we make spiritual resolutions in our congregation -- but I think I have mine and will be looking at how to make no-errand Saturdays a more frequent part of my life.
Good for you to deviate ... I should follow your example. TTFN ~Marydon
ReplyDeleteGood for you! A book suggestion as its close to the subject "Leaving Church" unfortunately I can't remember the author...but you may enjoy it as it touches on this subject!
ReplyDeleteA perfect, extra special, unplanned Satuday....you deserve those more often than you have them I bet!!
ReplyDeleteAw, I must be a slacker. I don't do any errands PLANNED hardly at all, just wander around all hours. And leave lots undone...unless it has to do with the pets; I'm very good about their appointments and food and such...your day sounds like it was so nice, was the iced coffee good?
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good day to me. I guess you are Jewish. Somehow I never realized the Jewish hold their services on Saturdays. Even though I worked with a teacher who is Jewish for 4 years in a Special Education classroom. I guess I never asked what day she went to the synagogue. I always knew about the holidays or holy days, because she would take the day off. Interestingly, one year there was her as the teacher, me (a Lutheran) as an instructional aide and another lady ( a muslim) as another instructional aide. It was a very educational year for me as I learned more about other cultures and customs. That was the year I learned more about Ramadan. Until then I never knew about Ramadan. I think I am spelling that right. I learned it was easier to have Ramadan in the winter months due to the shorter hours in the day. The fasts were shorter then. One day she was eating during Ramadon and during the day instead of fasting. I wondered why. Turns out when women are menstruating, it is considered unclean, and so women don't fast during those days if it occurs during Ramadan. This woman was wonderful in explaining the Muslim customs to me and I learned a lot. She was also very smart and knowledgeable about many other religions as well. Too bad she only stayed in our classroom one year. She eventually went on to become a pharmacist technician since that was where her training was.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my pretty Pink Flowers today! I hope you are staying dry. We are hearing about the weather out that way on the news.
~Linnea
I would love to sit with you and "people watch"...one of my favorite activities!☺
ReplyDeleteMy good friend is visiting NY right now...AGAIN! I wanted so badly to go with her, but it just wasn't in the cards. She keeps sending me pictures of people/places/things to make me feel more a part of it. It helps some. I can hardly wait until I can go back. I ♥ NY!
ReplyDeleteOH YEAH! My bookclub is about to start Guernsey!
I'm really looking forward to that discussion~
&hearts,Lilly
I would love to be able to sit on Broadway and have a cup of iced tea!
ReplyDeleteI think God made us where we function better with some rest. So good for you!
There was a point in time where we observed a pretty simple Shabbat with few doings. I miss those days greatly. A free Saturday sounds like a huge blessing. Glad you took the time.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Julie