fearless. part 2.

**catch up with fearless: part 1 here. 

I wanted to take a moment to expand upon Jen Hatmaker’s message at the Fearless Conference regarding rest.

It’s funny. I was looking back at posts from this time last year and I found posts about the book 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess and the concept of the Sabbath and the need for reducing the excess stuff in our lives in order to allow more of God’s kingdom to flow into the empty space {go on, take a walk down memory lane with me…here, and here and here}.

And, then, this past weekend, Jen reminds us of the need for the Sabbath. The need for restoration through rest. The need for spiritual nourishment.

“Spiritual nourishment is perishable. It’s good only for that day.” – Jen Hatmaker

Dave and I have false started many times with the implementation of a Sabbath in our lives. We have tried to protect just one day a week for rest and worship. We have even tried to deem one weekend each month Family Weekend.

We have tried.

Yet, we continually allow commitments and projects and deadlines to creep into that space. We continually allow the boundaries to come down and make exceptions for productivity. And, before we know it, we have long-forgotten about the sacredness of rest as a family.

It happens so innocently. Still, it happens again and again. We find ourselves coming up for air in the midst of the chaos of commitments and obligations and wonder how we found ourselves back here with this unquenchable thirst and need for refreshment.


Jen gently reminded us this weekend that at the very beginning of creation, God did not bless the day He created the heavens and the earth. Or the day He created the sky or the land or the sea. He didn’t bless the day He created fish or birds or all the animals on the earth. He didn’t even bless the day He created people in His own image.

Then, on the day when God rested from all of His work,  He “blessed the seventh day and declared it holy” {Genesis 2:3, emphasis mine}.

The day of rest was His very first blessing in history.

This day of rest is for us. It is a gift. It is precious and holy.

Therefore, Dave and I have committed to work deliberately in advance of this day. We will be fiercely protective of this day and draw boundaries to allow for our family to experience the blessings associated with a day that allows for our depleted cups to be filled once again. A day that allows for our focus to once again be moved to what is truly important. A day that allows for memories and laughter and joy to be created. A day that allows for moments of stillness. A day that allows us to push the pause button on the busyness and distractions and preoccupations that consume our energy.

A day that allows us to participate in the fullness of this life in the way that Christ longs for all of us to experience.

A day that allows more time together as a family. Outside. Laughing. Exploring. Worshipping our Mighty King of Kings.

Jen made an awesome analogy on Saturday. She compared parenting to a cup with a hole in the bottom. As parents, we continually pour in love and hope and courage and patience throughout each day. And this cup has to replenished.

There is no denying that we will grow weary without the sustenance that only our Savior can provide. Particularly if you have two toddler boys with a lot of energy and a stubborn streak inherited from their daddy {yep, I’m passing the blame here}. Especially then.

{I also love this post from The Tiny Twig …she talks about turning off our screens on the weekends. You should check it out if you’re looking for practical ways to be present}.