Several years ago, I read Jefferson Bethke's book "It's Not What You Think". It was as good as "Jesus > Religion" and I own both books, which tells you how much I like them. Anyway, I read INWYT and it was very enlightening to me, especially the chapter on the Sabbath. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were given the commandment "honor the Sabbath day and keep it holy". They had rules for how that was to look, but nowadays, people debate what that looks like for Christians. Bethke made some very sound comments and helped me look at my life and my Sabbath.
As a result of that chapter and doing some thinking, I decided to do a half-fast from technology on Sundays. I don't text, blog, check email, or - since I got Instagram - do anything on Instagram. I'll still watch a movie and listen to music, but my computer usually just stays off on Sundays. During the school year, I write letters to all my friends who are out of state. With starting my business, I'm trying to think ahead to my life one day as a wife and mother. The way I start will be the way clients get used to things being and will expect to continue. My dad made a conscious decision when he started working to not stay late and work long hours, because he knew that when you start doing that, your bosses expect it to always be that way, and he wanted to be home with his future family. That's my example. So what does it look like for me? I'm going to try and do all my "work" related things, like editing and email correspondences, to the five traditional work days. I'm going to plan my shoots to be within those days as well, occasionally doing a Saturday, but I want my weekends to be with my eventual family. The other thing that this does, is it makes me trust a little more in God's care and provision. To not check email and know that things will still be okay. And we'll see how it goes. Maybe I'll check it on the weekend, but only respond to urgent things. Clearly, if I have a session on a Sunday or early on Monday, I'd be texting and emailing with the client. It's not a rigid rule, because that gets you into legality. Rather, these are guidelines I set for myself to put boundaries in place as a guide. God rested on the seventh day, not because He needed it, but as an example for us. We need rest and I'm trying to keep that in mind as I grow my business. What does your Sabbath look like? Have you read either of Bethke's books? What were your thoughts? Blessings, Sarah
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Hi! I'm Sarah!
I am a natural light portrait photographer. I've been taking photos since 2014 and would eat a smoothie from Tropical Smoothie Cafe for lunch everyday if I could. Thank you so much for stopping by. I blog about sessions, things I'm learning, stuff in my life, and information for YOU, my client. If you like what you see around the site, I'd love to work with you! I'd also love to connect with you on Instagram. I'm @sarah_jayne_photo :) Archives
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