Most of us are busy every day. We have work, errands, house maintenance and multitudes of other things that demand our attention. If you have children or grandchildren, you are likely to attend all kinds of after-school events. Retirees say they do not know how they had time to work. Or, even more commonly, retirees may return to work to make ends meet. Americans work a great deal and take very little time off compared to workers in Europe. It’s no wonder we get tired. We have become addicted to busyness and information. Contrary to popular belief, we are not really able to multi-task. Physiologically we can attend to just one thing at a time.

Another source of fatigue is being wired to electronics. We use computers, text message at every opportunity, carry Blackberries, pagers and cell phones. In fact it seems that conversation face to face is becoming an obsolete activity. For example, many folks in restaurants would rather use their cell phones sending text messages to friends and even to the person sitting across from them rather than engage in conversation. At work I carry a pager and a cell phone and both go off in my pocket at a dizzying pace for 12 hours.

A recent New York Times article described the activities of three researchers who were studying the effects of electronics on the brain. These researchers spent three days in the wilderness, relaxing and getting away from all usual work and electronic devices. They described a phenomenon almost like withdrawal as they searched for their cell phones, iPods and other devices. But, by the end of the third day, the researchers noticed what they described as a refreshed brain. They had better attention spans and felt refreshed.

This has led me to rethink the concept of the Sabbath. If God has enough sense to plan a day of rest, why don’t we? In fact, it is not just a mere suggestion, it is a command: remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. I think it is a discipline well worth cultivating. That is why I used the term discipline; it takes discipline to refrain from our usual fast-paced lives. I have tried to plan a day of rest and it is amazing how hard it is to do. However, even with my partial success at taking time to rest, there are benefits. I have found time to take a nap. What a concept! I have spent time with my husband doing quiet things. And guess what? It feels good.

There is more to the commandment than just resting. We are to spend time with God.

It is time to be spent in worship, in prayer and in quiet meditation. We return some time to God who gives time to us in the first place. When we are more “on line” with God our lives are enriched. Not just our bodies and minds are more rested, but our spirit gets needed attention.

My challenge to us is this: start with a half-day of resting. Include a break from chores and electronic communication. Replace it with rest and a refocus on God. Try it. You might like it.