Saturday, May 23, 2009

Enjoying a Long Holiday Weekend

In Leviticus 25, God commands the people to honor the land by letting it rest from planting and pruning every seven years. This is similar to the decree given in Deuteronomy 5, where the people are told to honor God and themselves by keeping the seventh day as a Sabbath of rest.

Some interpret these instructions very literally, and follow strict guidelines for resting on the Sabbath as God rested after creating the world. For me, the sabbatical is a time to step back from the stress and the pressure of the daily work routine and do things for myself or my family and friends.

The long Memorial Day weekend has given me some much needed sabbatical time. Yesterday I was able to spend some time cooking for myself and friends. Today was spent planting flowers, weeding the vegetable garden and trimming bushes that been experiencing spring overgrowth. Tomorrow I plan to see an afternoon movie.

The best thing I did was to not think about work, the economy, downsizing or doing more with less. Instead I’ve been taking a few days to just care for and enjoy creation and be thankful for what I have been given, and not worry about what I may have to do without. I’ve been giving my mind and my soul a much needed sabbatical rest. I think that’s one good way to keep the Sabbath holy.

Monday, May 18, 2009

2009 Rochester AIDS Walk

Once again the time has come to continue the fight against HIV/AIDS. The 2009 Rochester AIDS Walk will take place on Saturday June 6th at Highland Park. My friend Rob White is walking again this year, and I am sponsoring him again.

Over the past years that Rob has been walking for this important cause, he has raised over $10,000 to support the many programs that AIDS Rochester offers. These include education, prevention, advocacy and support services.

You can help by sponsoring Rob in the 2009 Rochester AIDS Walk. Just follow this link:

http://www.firstgiving.com/robwhite

You can register to participate in the AIDS Walk, and find out about volunteering at this link

http://www.aidsrochester.org

If we work together, we can end AIDS in our lifetime!

Thanks Rob, for continuing to walk and work for the fight against HIV/AIDS