Today I unintentionally enjoyed a Sabbath.
I got up this morning fully intending to complete a project. I knew I had a busy day ahead. I’d been called as a Juror and I had to arrive at the courthouse by 9 am. I thought I might buy someone at the courthouse a cup of coffee. I thought this would be a nice way to add some cheer to someone’s otherwise dreary day waiting in the courthouse. Things didn’t exactly go as planned.
I arrived at the courthouse bright and early and got in the line. It moved very quickly and soon I was at the check-in desk. I handed over my form. Then I asked one question that would change everything. I asked how much time it would be just so I would be able to gauge whether I needed to call home and make further arrangements with Dad regarding X. I only asked because there was already a full courtroom and I didn’t think it could possibly be over by lunch. Then the lady asked me if I wanted to be on a Jury. I said no.
Side note: I’ve served on a Jury before and am not opposed to it. It was an interesting experience. It just wouldn’t be a convenient time for us right now as I do stay home and don’t have child care arrangements.
After I said no she said I was excused. That was it. I could go home. I didn’t ask to be excused. I figured I would go through the process like everyone else but instead she just sent me home. I wasn’t sure what to do. My Dad had said when I left that if I got out early I could go do some shopping but I hadn’t expected this to happen.
What’s a girl to do with 2 hours of free time?
I went grocery shopping alone. I got all the stuff I usually forget. I was able to focus on things that I usually don’t have time for (like sales and new products). Then after I finished shopping I went to the Christian Bookstore to pick up the copy of “Veggie Tales: It’s a Meaningful Life” for our giveaway (which by the way has excellent odd of winning if you’re interested). I found myself lost in new books for 15 minutes that I usually don’t have time to even look at.
When I got home my son was played out and delighted to have spent time with his Grandpa. He went down for a nap the instant I got home. My Dad and I had time to sit down and talk about the Un-Pageant at church and what our plans where. The afternoon was capped off with lunch and a very long, very enjoyable walk and before I knew it it was dinner.
I didn’t stop for coffee today. I didn’t need it so I didn’t have a chance to give that.
I didn’t get the chance to help anyone at the grocery store (or perhaps I was delightfully oblivious in my new found freedom).
I didn’t get the chance to help at home as everyone had everything taken care of. We had leftovers in the fridge as I didn’t know when I would be home and my husband is a fairly easy man to please. He’s happy when I bring him Oreos and Milk while we’re watching football (which was a delicious snack I must say).
Today I took an unintentional Sabbath from the 30 day give project. I didn’t mean to. I hadn’t wanted to. It just happened. I can say that I’ve done some brainstorming and do know ways in which I want to give throughout the rest of the project. I just wasn’t able to execute today. The Sabbath is traditionally a day of rest and worship and I did both of those things. I was able to find rest and comfort in the surprise of the day. I was able to wrestle with the text I am preaching on this week and really think of what I want to say to the people. I was able to sit in the stillness and embrace the day and all it held. God gave me a break today and I needed it.
I do intend to catch up. Tomorrow I will have 2 things to do. I’d best go get organized so I can get things done…
