Rest Is Reverence: The Power of Sabbath Season

M. Hakikah Shamsideen
Sep 9
4 min read

Here is the second of four posts in my September series. The theme for this month is

“Living in Rhythm: Preparing Spirit, Home, and Body for the Season Ahead”

"Sabbath is more than the absence of work;

It is not just a day off, when we catch up on television or errands. It is the presence of

something that arises when we consecrate a period of time to listen to what is

most deeply beautiful, nourishing, or true."

Wayne Muller

The Sabbath as a Season of Rest

We often categorize the year into four main seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Each offers its own lessons, shaping how we live and manage life. Last week, I wrote about how every season brings wisdom. This week, I want to share why I consider the Sabbath a season all its own.

What Is the Sabbath?

The simplest definition is:

“A day of religious observance and abstinence from work, kept by Jewish people from Friday evening to Saturday evening, and by most Christians on Sunday.”

For non-Jewish individuals, a Sabbath-inspired day of rest can still be deeply meaningful. While distinct from the Jewish Shabbat covenant, the practice of pausing for rest, reflection, and rejuvenation holds wisdom for us all.

At its core, Sabbath is about stepping away from the routine and pressures of the week to cultivate a deeper spiritual connection and renewal.

My Sabbath Journey

In 1994, while on staff at a large Brooklyn Baptist church, I began observing a personal Sabbath. For many Christians, Sunday is the Sabbath—but for church staff, Sundays are full workdays. I chose Mondays, our day off.

At first, my “day off” was anything but restful: laundry, groceries, errands, and cleaning. Over time, I realized I needed more than productivity. I needed a pause. I made the deliberate choice to create a day of rest, and it became essential to my well-being.

My favorite ritual looked like this:

A long, relaxing bath
Favorite sweats
Blueberry croissant French toast, crispy bacon, and orange juice
A lineup of Maury, Oprah, and soap operas
Naps and phone calls with friends

It was indulgent, restorative, and life-giving. Soon, even my coworkers knew: Monday was Hakikah’s Sabbath. I respected my day, and because I did, others respected it too.

The Price of Not Resting

There is always, however, a price to be paid for not following what you know is best. Yes, I set aside a rest day for myself and adhered to it 80-90% of the time. The problem was that I worked extremely long hours all week. In fact, because I loved my work and was passionate about it, I came early and stayed late. I took work home. In fact, one of the contributing factors towards my stroke was that I was working on my SECOND job just as hard as the first, disregarding my health and rest entirely! You can read that story here. I noticed that a shared trait among the over 1000 women I worked with was that they were all overwhelmed, fatigued, and constantly busy. In our society, it's easy to confuse being busy with being valuable. I was one of those women.

Although I consistently took a day of rest, I realized I needed to make a lifestyle change. Now, in retirement, my entire life feels centered around the Sabbath—focused on preparing, resting, and living in harmony with God every day.

Sabbath in Scripture

Though rooted in the Old Testament, in the New Testament, Jesus--who called himself "Lord of the Sabbath" redefined the purpose of the Sabbath. When challenged for healing on the Sabbath, He responded:

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27)

Sabbath was never meant to be a burden. It was always a gift, an opportunity to access true rest.

Why Sabbath Still Matters

The Sabbath remains as relevant today as ever. It is:

A time to rest from our labor
A time to nourish body and soul
A time to honor God as provider

How to Create Your Sabbath (or Day of Rest)

Plan

Choose your Sabbath day (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or another day).
Be flexible—your rhythm may shift with seasons of life.
Plan it at least a week ahead to protect it.

Prepare

Luke 23 speaks of the Day of Preparation. Our elders understood this well: cooking ahead, cleaning, and laying out Sunday clothes. In my childhood home—even though my parents didn’t attend church—Sundays were quiet until noon. Stores were closed, music was off, and there was a reverence in the air.

I continue this practice today by preparing from Monday to Saturday:

Laundry finished
Meals planned and prepped
Groceries done
Bills paid

This way, when Sabbath arrives, I am free to rest.

Seasonal Rest: Autumn + Sabbath

Autumn naturally draws us inward. Like nature, we conserve energy for what’s ahead. Pairing seasonal living with Sabbath deepens the gift. Try these:

Prioritize Sleep: 7–9 hours nightly, with a consistent routine. Don’t underestimate the joy of a mid-day nap!
Embrace Cozy Rituals: Blankets, warm lighting, nourishing food.
Practice Mindfulness: Quiet your mind with meditation, prayer, or deep breathing.
Connect with Nature: Crisp air, falling leaves, long walks.
Unplug from Technology: Even for a few hours, let your mind rest.
Reflect & Release: Journal, pray, and give your burdens to God.

The Heart of Sabbath

Ultimately, Sabbath is a personal choice. It’s not about rigid rules but about reconnecting with God, renewing your spirit, and reclaiming rest as holy.