Thread by @lorewilbert

There are some anxieties that need medication. But, for most, our anxieties are the membership of the living. Whenever someone comes to me for counsel on the anxieties of mere living, I always ask what their rest practices are. Most times they have none aside from sleep at night.

They fill every space available, and fill their kids spaces too, with activity, some even masquerading as restful activity (tech, sports, elaborate "vacations"). Wirzba says, Sabbath rest is not about taking a break. Properly understood, it is about putting an end to the

restlessness that keeps our living distracted, fragmented, and perpetually dissatisfied. This is why it is so important to correct those forms of life that get in the way of our participation in God’s own Sabbath rest and delight in the world."

"Putting an end to our restlessness." I love that. For us, that has meant an imperfect practice of reminding ourselves that God is our Creator, Redeemer, and source of joy on Sabbath—and doing that which alights those truths afresh.

Putting an end to our restlessness, for us, is about being hemmed in, and hemming ourselves in on purpose. To not go looking for distraction or diversion. To stay home. To look at one another. To hear. To listen. To ask. To enjoy.

(When I say "the membership of the living and the common anxieties," I've written more on that here, if you're interested: sayable.net/blog/2017/11/6…, namely
1. The anxiety of being loved
2. The anxiety of being alive
3. The anxiety of being faithful)

And here's the full @NWirzba piece (though you should read anything of his) cardus.ca/comment/articl…