Waiting for Shabbat

Growing up, my father refused to mow the grass on Sunday. I can remember driving past yards where people were out tending to chores, and my father glaring and muttering under his breath about disobeying the commandment not to work on the Sabbath. Other than not doing yardwork, and of course attending church service in the morning, the Christian "Sabbath" we observed didn't have much meaning. In the last few years my father has read more into some verses in the New Testament about casting off the old ways due to being new in Christ. Now he no longer mutters about people working on the Sabbath, because they aren't Jewish, and Christians aren't bound by the commandments.

One of the first practices I adopted as an "awakening" Jew was observing Shabbat. Rather than just a day when there is a list of "nos," I've observed a day of "yeses"...Yes, I will stop and smell the roses. Yes, I will enjoy the stillness of G-d's creation. Yes, I will take time to read Jewish subjects I haven't had the time to enjoy or mull over during the week. Yes, I will allow my body the gift of rest that G-d has given me. Yes, I will welcome this day with joy and blessing, and the light of candles shining.

Of course there are "nos" as well...no, I won't rush to pick up the phone. No, I won't worry about finances even if a bill comes in the mail. No, I won't hop online to check email. No, I won't give in to tension and argumentativeness. These aren't always easy prohibitions to respect, but at the same time I feel a new appreciation for this oasis in the week when I do observe the "nos" as well as the "yeses."

Shabbat has become an oasis in my week. Friday afternoon I feel time accelerate as I rush to make ready, as if I really am welcoming a guest to my home. Even the children are beginning to understand this change that comes on Friday evenings...my daughter loves to remind her brother that it is time for "Shabbat Shalom...so keep PEACE! Stop picking on me, it's Shabbat!" She even has the spunk to remind me that I need to keep peaceful as well, when her father and I knock heads. I can't help but smile when she adds the "Omein" to our usual prayers with her little grin.

Everyone can say "TGIF"...I say "Thank you, G-d, it's Shabbat!"