Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

– John 12:24-25

I am a fan of Doctor Who from the popular British science-fiction television program. The Doctor is a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey. The Doctor helps those under siege from evil aliens whose aim is to destroy the universe one planet at a time. He doesn’t have superhuman strength or conventional weapons and he avoids violence. He does this with human companions, a time machine that looks like a police box and his sonic screwdriver. On several occasions he has been mortally wounded when trying to save others. Fortunately, his species can heal his cell by a process of regeneration. Every cell is made new, making him look like an entirely new person with a somewhat different personality.

In our lives, we sometimes feel like we are being attacked on all sides by alien forces. We can’t regenerate our bodies, but we can renew ourselves by observing sabbath. By resting and reconnecting with God, we are better able deal with life’s difficulties and appreciate all the blessings that we have been given.

Prayer:

I pray to find peace and renewal from the Sabbath experience.

– Harriet Dilly