I started a new bible study this past week, and I have to tell you, I’m already in love with it. I mean, it helps that all the gals are awesome too, but this book started to resonate with me before I even opened the front cover.

The book is called Breathe, Making Room for the Sabbath. And it’s awesome. Truly awesome.

The main point of it is just that, breathe! And, don’t we all need a little bit more breathing room? Our fast-paced lives are full of never ending plans, more work that we can fit into each week and a sense that if we aren’t running full speed ahead, like “everyone else,” we aren’t doing enough.

But, this simply isn’t true. What? What do you mean? I don’t have to rush around throughout my days, say “yes” to everything, and be everything to everyone? Nope. You don’t. And here’s why.

This busy, high-pressured, non-stop stress filled life is NOT what God wants for us. God created the sabbath as the day of rest, right? But who really rests on that day? Anyone? And the last time you did throw your feet up, how did it feel? Did it feel great? Or did you feel instantly guilty and start thinking about all the things you should be doing instead?

I know I can barely sit and enjoy a TV show much less lay out at the pool without feeling the need to be doing something, really anything, that’s more than nothing. But why?

Because, that’s what we’re taught. Especially in this American culture. We are taught to never stop. We work too much and pack out schedules so full. All the while, we put things in our life first, instead of the people. And this is a problem, too.

For this first week, we talked about indulgences. Things that have been provided to us to enjoy. But, being the overindulgent culture that we are, of course, we have taken it too far. And we are literally enslaved to these things. What things am I talking about?

• cell phones
• ministry
• computers/tablets/gaming systems/Ipods
• coffee
• desserts
• people
• spending money on things
• relaxing
• hobbies
• exercise

While reading through the list, did any of these things jump out at you? Are these things you like to do, that bring you joy,  things that you are doing ALL the time? Are you choosing these things or ideals over your family? Over your spouse?

Through this bible study, we’ve been challenged to think this week about what is enslaving us in this life. These are things we do truly enjoy and appreciate, but that we take too far, use too much, only ever want more and cannot get away from.

We need to take a step back and realize these things are ultimately controlling us. We need to set boundaries. We need to take time to really rest and reconnect with God. We need to slow down. And we need to remember that all of this “slowing down/relaxing/reconnecting” is ok. Not only ok, but essential.

I’m going to do a 5-week bible series (just the length of my bible study) to reflect on and share with you the talks and themes of the book, Breathe. I hope you enjoy it as much as I know I will and really do some thinking on it, too.

I wish you a very Happy Sunday and until next week, stay blessed=)