sabbath

I'm no Biblical scholar. I'm sure there are many who could give me their interpretations on what is bugging me. But I've been musing on the idea that we're supposed to rest on the Sabbath, and have got a bit indignant about it. For me it comes back to the Mary and Martha story again (I've blogged before on how I relate to Martha). I think my hurt around it is wrapped up in how I feel privilege plays out. I suspect it is easier to take a day off when there are still other people around to make things happen. So whether that is classism, or patriarchy, some can sit back knowing that the food will still arrive and clean clothes still be available for the next day. I guess the idea of rest depends on what the concept of work includes, and that much "women's work" isn't viewed as work at all. And the isolated ways we live means that each of us still have to toil every day, there isn't a sharing of the load. If I fully rested today, that puddle of dog vomit might be one hell of a disgusting mess spread across the house by tomorrow.
Also, if I remember rightly, there are suggestions as to what it was felt should and shouldn't be done on the Sabbath, that include seemingly random (from my uneducated perspective) rules around turning on lightbulbs. Some people enjoy cooking and so perhaps that's not work to them. Changing a nappy - some get paid to do it, others don't.
I understand the important of relaxing. Part of my taking time to blog is about taking time to reflect. I may not spend one day in 7 not working, but I do spend a considerable amount of each day reflecting, and connecting. I value having time that is different from other, working, time. I also know I have an ouchy weak spot whereby if I feel someone is suggesting I _ought_ to relax more I want to shout "but who else is going to do all this stuff that needs doing!" I still have much to learn about not taking the world's responsibilities on my shoulders.
I get that the Martha story is about considering our priorities, that we can get so busy with the day to day chores, we miss the opportunities to just be. Today, as every day, I will be doing my usual mixture of dull dreary got-to-be-done activities and trying to find some joy in them; along with new and exciting meeting people I don't yet know. In re-connecting with those I already love I may get chance to moan about the burden of being a single parent, and discover if their communal living is any better. I will be having lots of hanging out time with my girly. Hopefully we'll together learn more about slavery in this area, and maybe I'll be able to ask some Jewish folk to explain a bit more to me about the concept of Sabbath and the historical reasons for the particular traditions. My Sabbath looks lovely doesn't it - hope if you are celebrating yours today, that yours does too.