Let’s just say it; it’s been a rollercoaster of a week here in America. There have been people with opposing viewpoints, heated conversations, flat out arguments, deeply held beliefs mocked and swirls of speeches. Now many have serious and founded concerns about how will we move forward as a country? What can we do? As I have pondered this I have thought about the Sabbath Day. How can it help us?
In April 2015, leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began instructing members to observe the Sabbath with greater purpose. Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “The world seems to be getting a little … more difficult. … We felt that it was urgent that we strengthen the faith of our people. We’re hoping that home activities will be more centered on learning and knowing more about the life and ministry of the Savior.”
For thousands of years, a day of rest has been in place. However, within the last 50 years this has slowly been changing. Dr. Matthew Sleeth author of “24/6: A Prescription for a Healthier, Happier Life” states, “We go 24/7 now, and I think it’s having health consequences. I think more and more, there’s a consensus that it leads to depression and anxiety.”
With more than 1 in 9 Americans experiencing depression, many in the medical community are starting to agree.
He goes on to say, “When we’re constantly going, we pour out chemicals to try to meet those stresses. We have short-term stress hormones like adrenaline, and longer-term hormones like the steroids that we pour out. Those chemicals constantly being “on” are bad for us, and they lead to anxiety and depression and to, I think, diabetes and being obese. It’s interesting that if I took somebody in the emergency department and gave them a big slug of adrenaline, you’ll find that an hour later they’re just wiped out, and that’ll really persist throughout the day.”
In light of the realities of our lives, a day of rest can be just the prescription that our country needs. It can give us something to look forward to. Also we can often end up being more productive on other six days of the week as we prepare to rest on the seventh.
In his 2011 book, “The Gift of Rest,” former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, a practicing Jew, said we live in a busy world where “people are desperately in need of rest—not just rest to recharge our batteries so we can work harder but to recharge our souls so we can live better.”
Observing a day of rest can be a blessing to our marriages, families and communities as well as for our very souls. The Sabbath is a time to commune with the Divine. It is a time we can engage in quiet contemplation. It can also be a great time to visit family and loved ones. Our family has a tradition. Throughout the week we ask our children to look around and be detectives; to see if there is anyone sad, lonely or needing extra love. Then on the Sabbath they make treats and we deliver them to express our care. If it is a nice day we will often go for a family walk or make a fire at the beach and read our scriptures there. We attend our local worship services where we are uplifted by inspiring music and eloquent prayers. We have our spirits edified by messages of light and truth. We fellowship one with another and learn more of the great plan of happiness.
Isaiah called the Sabbath Day a delight. What a beautiful message. As we honor a Sabbath day and take a rest from the world, we will improve all aspects of our lives and be blessed.
• Jacqueline Tupou is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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