There have been times in my life when Sundays were very busy and hectic. During missionary times, Sundays were always filled to the brim with visiting people we were teaching and bringing them to our weekly worship services. Often times we as the missionaries also were involved giving talks, playing and/or leading the music, or teaching classes. After the meetings were over, there would be more visits with members and non-members, teaching and sharing family home evenings. The Sabbath was always wonderful and filled with good (mostly) experiences, but they were very busy, and we were grateful for somewhat low-key Mondays which were our preparation days and a bit more restful.
Moving right along to the years when DH and I had our house full of our six children, Sundays were also very hectic. Getting six children dressed up, cleaned up and to church on time was always a challenge, especially if DH had early morning meetings. For a few years when we lived in New Jersey, our drive to church was an hour's drive each way. Then, after church and dinner, when I was more than ready for a nap, the kids would always need some motherly one on one or one on six attention! Once again, Mondays and back to school were always welcome days for this mother.
Thankfully, or unfortunately, whichever way you look at it, those missionary days and the days of mothering a houseful of children have come to an end. These days our Sabbath days truly are mostly a day of rest. We are blessed to live only two blocks away from our church, and we can walk if we like. We are blessed to be able to partake of the Sacrament and renew our covenants and promises to always remember the sacrifices and the atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ, and to keep His commandments. For the most part the rest of the day is set aside for restful activities here at home such as reading good books, listening to sacred music, researching our family history and genealogy, writing in journals and working on photo albums and scrapbooks, and visiting with family members. It has been especially restful this past year to hold our own worship services here at home, with my DH, who holds the Priesthood, having the authority to bless and administer the ordinance of the Sacrament here at home. We've enjoyed regular virtual visits with our children and grandchildren, and sometimes with other family members. Sometimes we even have time to take a nap!
What are your favorite things about the Sabbath?
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