Friday Afternoons

1-15-10

I love Fridays. Why? Because they mean that the week is over, and that Sabbath is approaching. And Sabbath means that I can drop all my projects, homework, work, problems, and just relax in God's presence.

I did not truly appreciate the wonderfulness of Sabbath until I was in high school, where Friday afternoons were treated as special. IA's girls' dorm would smell of baking bread or freshly made cookies, and everyone would be busy tidying their rooms and getting ready for vespers. But, as a college student, I appreciate the Sabbath even more than I did as an academy student. Sabbath means time with friends, leisurely meals, a clean room, and time to read and think on things I haven't had time for during the rest of the time. It's a mood booster to think, "Two more classes, and then no homework until Sunday!" It's a wonderful thing to sit in the church during vespers here and hear everyone sing, or hear how silent it is during prayer, even though over 2000 people are in attendance. It makes me remember that my fellow classmates and my teachers are my brothers, sisters, my family.

I've already tried to start creating my own Friday afternoon/evening traditions. I do my laundry, pick up the debris that has gathered during the week, and just chill. And when I'm no longer living in the dormitory, I will definitely have more traditions to make even the edges of the Sabbath special.

More later.