Well, you asked, and I’m answering. Is observing the Sabbath making me more religious, or more loving? The answer? A little of both.
This time last year, I stopped my observances for about six months. It wasn’t planned. My mother was going through chemo and my son was in counseling, and I was working harder than ever, and I could barely keep my head above water. It was all good. My little idol got knocked over.
I’m back on track now, with a healthy dose of humility. I find that the best Sabbaths include a lot of time with others. Just me and God gets rather religious. I might even start counting cumin seeds. But when the day is centered around others, I gradually become more loving. It may not seem very holy to study my Bible while my kids are singing along loudly to Daft Punk, but they matter to God, just as much as that Word in my hands. He must love those Daft Punk people, too.
May you also hear the voice of God, saying, “This is the way. Walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21)