Blank Sabbath Afternoon

Complaining about this may seem weird. Ever since I joined and became active in church activities, I must admit that I have never experienced such a calm and blessed Sabbath afternoon. On most Sabbaths, I kept running to and fro with tasks for the Church Youth Program, the Deaf Ministry and many other ministries that I had the great privilege of immersing my self in.

The routine was always worrying about the afternoon program and looking after the needs of the deaf ministry. It has always been my after lunch tasks. At times, I would also join the praise team in their practices. Sometimes, there are lunch meetings and after-lunch-meetings and other things in between. During retreats, I was one of the people behind the preparations. Just imaging the busy sabbath days I have.

November 27, 2010, will always be remembered. The Deaf ministry visited the Philippine Publishing House Church in Caloocan. We had a great Sabbath. We handled some parts of their program and the whole afternoon program. It just seemed that I was already used to the morning program duties that I expected something like that in the afternoon. 

I couldn't believe that this Sabbath was different among the others. I had nothing to do. Most of the deaf were lounging on their beds having a great time, some of us sat down outside talking and mingling with each other. I had nothing to do. 

No big tasks.

No running back and forth.

No meetings.

No programs to take care of.

Just me with the wonderful garden, the gentle breeze and the warm sun. It was really amazing. At that moment, I knew what I had to do. I took a walk around the garden and the memorial park, took some pictures and talked to God. 

I hope to have more of those wonderful experiences.