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Shalom Kimberly,
Discover how Sabbath rhythms restore creativity, health, and closeness with God and family.
Honoring Rest
In the last few years, I’ve been learning how to truly honor rest. When I was younger, I never really thought about it—but as I’ve pursued better health and a closer walk with God, rest has come to the forefront.
It’s so easy to fall into the trap of working all week at my PT job, then spending weekends catching up on everything else before the cycle begins again. Now, with building a new business, I often feel like there are fewer hours in the day. I get caught in the “grind,” which eventually leads to burnout, frustration, and a loss of creativity.
But when I pause—step away, unplug, and do something different—amazing things happen. I become more creative. I use time more efficiently. I enjoy the work and feel energized again. That’s the power of rest.
I sometimes miss the simple weekends at our family cabin in northern PA where there was no cell service—just puzzles at the table, meals together, hikes, sitting on the porch watching the world go by, or gathering around the fire. Simple. Enjoyable. Restorative. That’s what Glen and I are working to create in our home now.
God’s Design for Rest
From the very beginning, God built rest into creation. Genesis 2:2 (NLT) says: “On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work.”
Rest isn’t just sleep—it’s stepping away from constant doing. The sun and moon set natural rhythms, and even animals and plants respond to cycles of light, temperature, and season. Our little prayer plant stretches out its leaves during the day and folds them into a “prayer posture” at night. Even our furry kids will jump up on the bed when they know it's time to hit the sack—creation itself teaches us the rhythm of rest!
Our culture often praises a 24/7 grind, but if we don’t rest, the grind grinds us down. Research shows sleep deprivation increases risk for cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, anxiety, depression, and accidents. Sabbath rest, on the other hand, has been linked with reduced stress, better social support, improved spiritual well-being, and feeling God’s presence more fully.
The Sabbath is not about rules or restriction. It is a gift—an invitation to renewal.
Ways to Create a Sabbath Rhythm
- Choose a 24-hour block each week for no work/chores.
- Fill the day with restorative activities: prayer, worship, reading, coloring, games, walks, or creativity.
- Connect with family, friends, and nature—while disconnecting from technology.
- Take a short nap (20–30 minutes) if you like, without disrupting your sleep schedule.
Sabbath Rest Off-grid Stoltzfus-style
- We are a work in progress. We are still trying to find the "right time" as there always seems to be something that needs to be done. But we try to minimize chores at least one day. It usually ends up with some cooking that day.
- Sometimes we will catch up with friends
- Simply sitting on the deck, hiking trails or walking on the beach, or playing a game can restore energy and joy.
- G likes to take a short nap on the hammock when weather permits and I will read or color or something like that while he naps
- Sabbath is a practice and it can shift and change pending on life. We do our best, but it is not always perfect we just try to adjust and make it better next time.
Reflection
What could your life look like if you lived "24/6" instead of 24/7?
What would shift in your health, your creativity, and your connection with God and those around you?
Coming up
December is the last pillar of Lifestyle Medicine… Can you remember which one it is?
Connect
May you live long and sleep well,
Kim
Hope and Healing Lifestyle Coach
https://hopeandhealinglifestyle.com
Mark 2:27 (GNT): “And Jesus concluded, ‘The Sabbath was made for the good of human beings; they were not made for the Sabbath.’”
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