Just as He did for the Israelites who built the ark of the covenant and the tabernacle and all that entailed, God gifts us each individually. It is awesome, really, how He works through His people and brings them together at times when much can be accomplished for the Kingdom. Often, we mess up and are pre-occupied or distracted or simply have closed ears so I am sure that we do not accomplish everything he equips us to do. That is unfortunate. It is our duty to remain ever-vigilant in seeking His call on our lives and to do our best in all endeavors so that we might glorify Him, just as the artisans who painstaking crafted the ark and built the tabernacle did.

But then we are to rest on the Sabbath. Every once in awhile I see articles where science is discovering more and more the positive effect that periodic and regular rest has on our physical and emotional health. Taking a day to rest and worship is a challenge for all of us but it is also one of His commandments.

Growing up, my family was pretty strict on keeping Sunday as a day for church and rest. Often Sunday afternoons would involve a ride out in the countryside enjoying the beauty of what God has given us. Those are some of my best childhood memories.

It's been easy for me to get away from that though, using Sundays to work around the house and prepare for the coming week. Not good. I believe that our gifts and talents are of less value to God when we do not properly rest and rejuvenate.

Exodus 31