John O’Leary shares how the New York Times article Bring Back the Sabbath
has shaped his life and how it can help you live more inspired.
I read this article in the New York Times a decade ago and I still think about it today.
Bring Back the Sabbath was written by Judith Shulevitz and was a reflection on what Sunday used to look like… and what it looks like today.
Judith expertly shared the profound importance that Sabbath had on our culture – regardless of your faith background -and our quality of life. Here’s a quick excerpt:
“As recently as 125 years ago, you would have been hard pressed to find a museum or library open on Sunday.
Eighty years ago, football was considered too vulgar to be played on Sunday.
Oldsters remember standing in line at the bank on Fridays to get cash for the weekend; youngsters assume they can withdraw at will.
Anyone older than 30 can remember living with the expectation that most stores would be closed on Sunday; the expectation now is that they will be open, and we’re miffed when they aren’t.”
Judith goes on to share that “Customs exist because they answer a need; when they disappear, that need must be met in some other way. There is ample evidence that our relationship to work is out of whack.”
My friends, our relationship with work, constant connectivity to technology and unhealthy desire to always be busy is out of whack. Today, I challenge you to build Sabbath into your week: A pause to nourish your community and remember that you are so much more than what you do.
It was a my honor to have Judith on my Live Inspired Podcast last week to discuss this very topic. Check it out here.
Today is your day. Live inspired.
This article was originally published on #1 National Bestselling Author of ON FIRE and Inspirational Speaker John O’Leary’s Monday Motivation blog. John inspires the R.L. Thomas Service, Inc. and we’re honored to share his inspiration with you! Get his Monday Motivation in your inbox here and enjoy his daily inspiration on Facebook, Twitter & YouTube.
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