how to start a family rest day This Weekend

Last Updated on August 19, 2023 by Andrea

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Weekends

On Saturday you can often find me rushing around. If I’m not at a BJJ competition with my son, I’m wrapping up work, cleaning house, baking/cooking, and tying up a million loose ends from the week before. A few Saturdays each month I’m also getting ready for a date with my husband. I’m generally pretty scattered on Saturdays.

Ah, but Sunday.

I don’t mind being a little crazy on Saturdays because I know Sunday is coming. I know that after church the next day, I can come home and just BE. I’ve talked about rest before, and today I wanted to revisit it with some ideas for how to start a family rest day.

How to get started

The best way to get started is to decide a family rest day is important for your family. Not sure?

There are mental, physical, and spiritual benefits of rest. Want a foretaste of heaven? We get that when we take a Sabbath rest. Want a break from the rushing? That’s your Sabbath rest.

I know, there’s a lot to do. Kids need to finish homework, you have to finish laundry, and your spouse needs to finish mowing lawn.

All of those activities are important, but there are six other days.

Once you make a decision to establish a Sabbath rest, you find time during the other six days to do those tasks. Part of the key to a successful rest day is to commit to it.

You’ve decided to have a family rest day – a Sabbath day – so now what? If you want me to give you a list of rules, dos and do nots, you are at the wrong website. That approach is legalistic. And Jesus took legalism away from us (Praise God).

The better question is how will you spend your day?

Think of all the things you’ve wanted to do that are restful or fun – that’s what you shoot for! Praise God that you have a day to enjoy your family – one of the greatests gifts He has given you.

What does a family rest day look like?

In my house a family rest day often includes watching movies and playing games. In the summer it may include spending time in the pool. Sometimes we take a nap. We always start with church. But after that, we just do relaxing things to spend time together.

Like puzzles? Sabbath is a great day for it!

Long to start a craft project with your child? Go for it!

Want to binge-watch some show with your spouse? Family rest day to the rescue!

Does it mean you “can’t” cook dinner or do laundry? Of course not. I generally do cook on Sundays. The key is to focus on what God has given you – the blessings he has showered upon you. Spend time with Him – read your Bible, play a Bible game, start a Bible trivia competition and with your family.

It takes time

For most families, a family rest day won’t happen over night. It takes time to establish new routines. If you don’t go to church, that’s a great place to start. Don’t have a church? Try this resource to find one.

Going to church? Now try planning for a rest day. Work on getting your list done in 6 days, then plan something fun for after church on Sunday. Once the family gets in the habit, you’ll find you look forward to it every week!

Try playing ball in the park, fishing, catching bugs, watching movies, touring a local town, serving neighbors, dancing a silly dance – whatever brings you joy with your family.

Start small or jump in – but get started!

** Let me know in the comments how you enjoy spending you family rest day. **

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Peace & blessings,

🌸 Andrea

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