24-Hour Sabbath Challenge

I am in a Table women's Bible study, where ten of us meet every other week for dinner, study, discussion, laughter, and prayer. The last few sessions we have been discussing Mark Batterson's book The Wild Goose Chase about the Holy Spirit. Last night, we decided that over the next two weeks, we would attempt a “24-Hour Sabbath Challenge.” On any 24-hour period over the next 14 days, we are going to choose something to give up that gets in our way, makes us anxious, preoccupies our minds with needless (or negative) information, or just something that we love to do but need a break from. Some of us may give up technology, Facebook, email, texting, reading, talking on the phone, etc. I am not totally sure what I'm going to release, but I know it will involve something technological as well as something enjoyable.

Personally, as someone addicted to talk radio, music, background noise in general - all while I am doing, acting, thinking something - I feel ponderous when I read this quote: "An inability to stay quiet is one of the conspicuous failings of mankind" (Walter Bagehot - English author, critic, editor, and economist (1826-1877)). Can I live without my phone attached to my hip? How about without television? Can you live without watching your favorite show or listening to your pet station? Can we try something sacrificial for one day and see how it feels, see if we can use the time we have momentarily gained to connect with God? Here's to experimenting . . .

Jennifer Johnson serves as Publications Coordinator at CPC and is part of the Table Team

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