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Culture Productivity

Sabbath Manifesto

One year ago this week I began my month-long sabbatical, summarized in this post. It was awesome. I still feel restored, energized, and eager to dig into life, relationships and work (most days).

Success was gained in large part due to my learning how to take smaller, one-day Sabbaths on a weekly basis. One must learn to walk before learning to run. Yesterday I learned of a mini-movement called www.SabbathManifesto.org, that, you guessed it, promotes taking a weekly day off. Just in time, too, as the “National Day of Unplugging 2011” begins at sundown on Friday, March 4, and runs through sundown Saturday, March 5. You can download the unplugging app here.

The Ten Principles of Unplugging, according to the site, are: Avoid technology. Spend time with loved ones. Nurture your health. Get outside. Avoid commerce. Light candles. Drink wine. Eat bread. Find silence. Give back.

In general, I love the spirit which supports my personal Sabbath principle: It’s not about what you avoid, it’s about what you pursue. In our frantic culture it takes a lot of effort to rest well. The biblical author of the New Testament book of Hebrews captured this struggle: “Strive to enter God’s rest” (verse 4:11).

I just hope they don’t unplug everything at sundown on Friday as I’ll be on a flight back to Orlando.

Rest well.

By Ken

Dr. Ken Cochrum (DMin, Bethel University) is Vice President of Global Digital Strategies at Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) in Orlando, Florida. An avid cyclist and aspiring guitarist, he also holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas and a Masters of Arts in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. He recently co-founded Indigitous.org, a movement passionate about connecting people to Jesus using digital strategies. He previously served as vice president of Cru’s student-led movements worldwide. He and his wife Ann spent 13 years in East Asia where they raised their two children. Ken blogs regularly at www.onleadingwell.com.

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