How the Blessed Earth Series Changed My Life

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Published December 6, 2011


I first watched the presentation about Sabbath rest by Matthew Sleeth about a year ago (Session #7 in the Blessed Earth Film Series).  At that time I knew it was something I should take seriously but instead I continued with my hectic pace.

A few months later, I watched the video again as I was preparing to teach the session on Sabbath rest.  This time I was struck by how much I had really not been taking a Sabbath.  I had no rest on Sundays or any other day of the week.

The day after I watched the DVD for the second time, I had a friend ask me about how I was doing making room for rest in my life.  I questioned why he asked.  He said he just knew I was very busy with work and was concerned I was taking enough time to rest.   That was enough to move me to action.  I committed to not work on Sundays.

Now, that took a step of faith.  I am a realtor, and most of my clients expect me to do open houses on Sundays.  Two days after I made the commitment not to work on Sundays, I had a listing appointment with a young man.  The first thing he said to me was that he did not want any open houses.   That was an affirmation and a great encouragement to me.

Since my re-commitment to the Sabbath, I have had numerous agents offer to do open houses in my stead on Sundays.  I have not needed to ask someone to step in for me on a Sunday even one time.  There are now two other agents in my office that have committed not to work on Sundays.  Now we are asking God to help us find creative ways to do open houses on weeknights or on Saturday afternoons.

My time with my wife, children, grandchildren, and friends has been so much richer because my batteries get recharged on the Sabbath day.

Thank you, Dr. Sleeth, for encouraging me to think about how God created the Sabbath for me to restore and bring health into my life.

Paul is a realtor specializing in ‘green thumb’ real estate. Before moving to Lexington, he lived near Seattle, WA, where he raised his family and, for over 30 years, ran a small organic farm. He attends First Alliance church and is currently leading a bible study group through the 12-part Blessed Earth Film Series.

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