Cease + Feast
The great scandal of sabbath lies in its call to cease when our culture says, “Strive!” and to feast when our world says, “There will never be enough.” On the sabbath we rest even from our good works, trusting in God’s abundance and provision. Because this posture is fundamentally countercultural, it can be helpful to practice the postures of sabbath (ceasing and feasting) through your regular rhythms.
We encourage you to keep a running list of ways you can cease—not only from toil, but from good works that nevertheless focus our attention on outcomes and achievements—and feast—enjoying God’s abundance through sleep, time in nature, fellowship, corporate worship, and other delights.
As you try out the ideas, notice which items truly restore you and bring you joy.
—Jenn Giles Kemper
Below, you'll find an ever-growing list of ideas to get you started on this practice. The list has been—and will continue to be—curated by our community of kindreds. Share your own suggestions for this idea bank in the Sacred Ordinary Days Facebook group to have them added here.
Cease IdeasStep outside and look around Do nothing for 2 minutes Take a leisurely walk Sit on your porch for a few minutes Play with your pets Watch the sunset Take a bath Take a nap Ponder a Scripture verse Gaze at an icon Do a 2-minute meditation using a mindfulness app Walk a labyrinth Light a candle Sit by the water Stretch Go to a yoga class Take a hot shower Go for a hike Get a massage Play the piano Read a psalm Pick some flowers Spend time just breathing |
Feast IdeasGet coffee with a friend Drink a cup of tea in your favorite teacup Read a magazine Read a chapter in a book Watch an episode of a TV show Listen to a podcast episode Listen to a favorite album or song Take yourself to the movies Enjoy a piece of chocolate Spend time writing Schedule a craft day with a friend Take a trip through the Starbucks drive-thru Spend time scrapbooking Enjoy a meal at a restaurant Browse a bookstore Plan a weekend outing Visit the library Have a dance party Make brownies Tidy your work space Garden Knit Color in an adult coloring book Complete a crossword puzzle Get a pedicure Browse a favorite store Read a poem Write a poem Call a friend Purchase new art supplies Visit a museum Go for a picnic Enjoy a day at the beach Take a long drive Write a letter to a friend Play a game Go for a run Brainstorm a fun project idea |