Book Review: Rhythms of Rest

Finding time to rest, sabbath, and building white space into a rhythm of life is something coveted by most of our society, yet many fail to achieve at actually 'finding' the time to be still.  I know I often myself as a homeschool mom of four girls finding excuse after excuse of why I can't Sabbath.  It isn't that I don't want the rest, it is just the unending piles of laundry, dishes, meals to prepare, and children to keep track of simply don't lend themselves to what one thinks of a Sabbath rest.

Shelly Miller has come alongside women to encourage them to find a rhythm of rest, creating an opportunity to Sabbath.  She gives insights and inspirations through her Sabbath Society blog but has now taken her thoughts, stories, and Scriptural references and put them into a new book called Rhythms of Rest.  I found this book to be empowering and encouraging to find the Sabbath that works for me, my family, and also honors the commandment God has given to set aside time to make it holy.

Some of my favorite portions of the book were:

• The difference between routine and rhythm
• Resting is not a 'waste of time'
• Seeing the Sabbath as a date or love letter between you and God
• What Sabbath isn't (getting out of the legalism and rules of what sabbath 'should be'
• Finding the Sabbath rhythm in each day or week that works best for you
• Using the Sabbath to listen to God's whispers

Miller has inspired storytelling style of writing.  While seemingly disjointed at times or often bouncing from one story to another, Miller often brings it together in a later chapter.  Miller shares many personal stories, letters from Sabbath Society members, and quotes from other authors.  At times, these continual quotes from other authors caused a disruption in the flow of the story I was enjoying from her heart, but I do see the benefit of seeing how the Sabbath is God-breathed and for man's benefit.  

If you are looking into incorporating more rest or a rhythm of sabbath in your life, Miller's book is a great resource to add to your reading list.

*In exchange for my unbiased review, I received a free copy of the book from Bethany House publishers