Learning to Lean: Resting Together

As summer winds down, Brad heads back to school, Brady heads back to daycare and my afternoons and evenings get a little shorter and seemingly more full of the things that warms nights make it easy to neglect. Our family just returned from a long week away from home; we went on a weekend retreat with our church family in Lake Geneva, followed by a week on Washington Island, WI. It was a perfect bookend to our summer that, upon reflection, has really been a Sabbath for our family.

Brady's first Fest, in Lake Geneva

In studying more about Sabbath, and how it is used in scripture, it was a little funny to see how alike our need for activity was like that of the ancient Israelites. While wandering the desert, the Lord provided food for them every day, and yet they still felt the need to go out on the day He told them to rest, not gather food. He had said he'd take care of the 7th day, but there was still that drive to go and do it themselves (Exodus 16).

We're pretty similar, even as members of the Church. We are focusing on doing God's work- loving God, loving others; putting God's plan into action... and that isn't bad- it's what we're commissioned to do as believers! But it was so refreshing to rest with God's people this past week. To be together and let our guards down a bit. To step back and be thankful for provisions, for sunrises and lakes... for hummingbirds, legs that work and people that love our family. For campfires, silly kiddos and people who got Brady to take naps. These are just a fraction of the things that ran through my mind when I thought about the blessings that were made clear to me this week, and they instantly bring a sense of calm in any anxieties I might feel building in me about the coming school year. The difference being, we've connected and established real relationships with people that will walk along side us while doing God's work and also rest alongside us in reflection of His goodness.

Abby & Brady

Washington Island has always been a special place for our family; my parents honeymooned here and we've come back almost every year that I can remember as a kid. After Brad made it past the family inspections, he started coming with us, and we got engaged there 3 years ago. This was Brady's second trip to the Island, but the last time was in the winter and there just isn't much that a 6 month old can do outside in Wisconsin in December. There is absolutely no schedule, no cell service and no rush. You can ride your bike most anywhere you need to go, and we're fortunate enough to be able to stay right on the water, so for my family, we don't go far! My sisters and parents joined us for the week, and it was great to spend time together over food, drinks and games. Now that we're all older, I love taking respite with them as well.

Brady's first bike ride

This summer has been wonderful. We've seen friends and family get married & have children. We've had date nights and family nights. We've gone away to seek God's face and been fortunate to see His handprint in our daily life. Now that "real life" continues on, I am praying that we don't forget to take a Sabbath and recognize these same truths remain.