Where to Begin With Sabbath Keeping

Welcome to Part 5 in our 8-part series, Sweeter Than Honey, where we’ll use the rich imagery of bees, honey, and the rhythms of creation to explore how Sabbath invites us to step out of exhaustion and rediscover the sweetness, rest, and delight found in the presence of God.

Matthew 11:28

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Maybe Sabbath sounds beautiful to you…but also a little unrealistic.

You may be thinking:
“But, Joy, my schedule is full.”

“I wouldn’t even know where to start.”

“My family depends on me.”

I understand. I have four boys and a husband, and somehow none of them can ever find the ketchup in the refrigerator.

So let’s make Sabbath simple and approachable.

Sabbath does not begin with a perfectly planned day (sorry all you Type-Aers out there!)

It begins with a posture and a willingness to say: “God, I want to make space for You.”

Here are four gentle ways to begin:

1. Start Small

A full Sabbath day is beautiful and I highly recommend it but you may need to work up to that.

If you’re having trouble incorporating a full day, then start with a few intentional hours.

Maybe it’s a family dinner with a special dessert and a blessing spoken over your children.

Maybe it’s a quiet lunch break spent listening to worship music and praying.

Even a single protected hour can become sacred.

2. Choose What Restores You

Sabbath is not only about what you stop doing.

It is about what brings life.

Ask yourself:

“What helps me notice God?”

For my family, that often means taking hikes together.

As we walk, I notice the goodness of God everywhere—the birds singing, my children laughing, my husband patiently leading.

Sabbath helps us notice the sweetness already surrounding us.

3. Prepare Ahead

Part of what makes Sabbath restful is removing unnecessary stress.

Simple preparation helps.

Finish chores earlier. Plan meals ahead of time. Set boundaries around schedules and errands.

Let’s be honest: nobody feels peaceful wandering through Sam’s Club on a Sunday afternoon.

4. Let It Be Imperfect

Your Sabbath will not look exactly like someone else’s. And that’s okay.

It may be interrupted. It may be messy. (Practically guaranteed if you have toddlers)

God still meets you there.

Because Sabbath is not about performance. It is about presence.

It is not another thing to achieve. It is an invitation to receive.