Eugene Peterson points out that the Hebrew concept of a day actually begins with evening, not with morning as we are accustomed to thinking. This means that each day begins with the rhythm of evening sleep and rest before the daylight hours of work and activity.7 After we sleep, we awaken to find that God has been working while we have rested: maki

On my pilgrimage in Ireland, I was impressed to learn that if a monk was fasting and then received an unexpected visitor, he was to break his fast so he could enjoy food with his guest.

The Chinese character for busy combines the pictographs for heart and death, suggesting that busyness kills the heart.

In Jesus’ day, the teachers of the law multiplied the rules and regulations around the Sabbath so that it was no longer a joy, but a burden; no longer a delight, but a duty. Jesus responded to this dreary view by saying, “The Sabbath was made for people, not people for the Sabbath.”

As we begin to create our rule, particularly if our relationship with Jesus is newer, we might add certain spiritual disciplines, but as being with Jesus becomes a more habitual part of our lives, we will likely drop certain disciplines.

We may also find that a practice once helpful in the past no longer seems fruitful. We might consider dropping the practice or trying something more challenging.

Every evening I try to set aside five or ten minutes to pray what Saint Ignatius called the prayer of Examen. After putting our toddler down, I lie on the futon next to his bed, quiet my thoughts, and hit the “play” button on the video of my day. I think about the people with whom I’ve spent time, the conversations I’ve had, the places I’ve been, a

We truly experience Sabbath when we orient our lives not around ourselves but around Jesus and listen and respond to his invitation: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Creating a rule in response to the movement of the Spirit may also involve simplifying certain practices so that our relationship with Jesus is served.