Most Sabbath-keepers actually accomplish more and focus better during the week. “The irony of it (which is implicit in scripture) is that it leads to greater productivity,” says Mark. The gift of rest results in heightened productivity, more energy, and more joy.

Observing the Sabbath has given him “the capacity to savor and cherish simple things, such as reading to my daughters. My enjoyment of the moment has increased. So much of our lives [is spent] rushing past things.”

Another benefit of Sabbath-keeping is that it establishes a restful rhythm in our lives. While standing in line at the bank, instead of getting impatient and irritated, Lynne rests for a moment in a Sabbath attitude. During a busy day, Mark often feels an inner prompting to put aside his work and rest his mind and spirit. Keeping the Sabbath one day a week allows us to enjoy that attitude the rest of the week as well.

To Do or Not to Do
So many questions arise when we talk about the Sabbath. Which day should it be? How long should it be? Many people choose Sunday as their Sabbath; others observe it on Saturday or, if they work on the weekends, another day during the week. Some start at sundown and finish the following sundown. Others consider waking up in the morning and going to sleep that night as their Sabbath markers. The most important thing is that we try to set aside a whole day so we can rest in and enjoy the time with God.

Other questions include: What should we do? What shouldn’t we do? The most important thing to remember is not to let legalism mar our Sabbath experience. There is no perfect way to keep the Sabbath, no list of rules to follow. And when we try to set those up for ourselves (or for others), we miss the freedom inherent in the experience.

Lynne urges people to start small by picking one to three things not to do and then refraining from them for three to six months. Define what constitutes work for you. For her, that list includes housework, yardwork, and home repairs. It also includes anything that she might get paid for or things that she might check off a “to-do list.” She suggests that people consider resting from multi-tasking, shopping, technology, the media, competition, and worry. She spends much of her Sabbath time focusing on the beauty around her and thanking God for it.

Along with Lynne, many Sabbath-keepers use their time to read. Mart enjoys reading something spiritually nourishing, such as theology. Judy Gann spends her time in the Word, reading Christian nonfiction books and articles, and in prayer. Another favorite activity of those who observe the Sabbath is taking a walk to enjoy God’s creation.

Karen Wingate, whose husband is a minister, says that her family always takes a nap on Sunday afternoons. “Nap time is sacred.” If they don’t want to nap, her teenage daughters have “quiet hour,” during which they rest, read, write letters or do something creative.