Halfway Through the Crossword Puzzle

#131

Friend,

I had about half the crossword puzzle done, but I was stuck. I read every clue left with random letters seemingly scattered into seemingly non-existent words, and I was puzzled. So I kept re-reading the clues, starting at the same letters, and getting more frustrated with each non-answer.

Then, I got distracted, put my crossword away, and completely forgot about my puzzling puzzle.

A couple of hours later, you would have thought I got a new master’s degree. Clues that seemed like elaborate mysteries clicked instantly. The long phrases suddenly made sense. One new letter in a word suddenly provided clarity. And before long the puzzle was finished.

I’m sure you’ve had experiences like that with a puzzle or problem; maybe you are there now. You’ve been staring at it, thinking about it, and trying to solve it. This is way more important than a crossword: this is your life, your career, your relationships. What you need is a different perspective, and time is often the best gift. You need Sabbath.

One definition of Sabbath is a healthy rhythm of work and rest. God gave us the sabbath so that we can cease and be, instead of constantly going and doing (which is why we are called human beings, not human doings). Sabbath is a weekly rhythm, but we should have daily sabbaths (little breaks of joy- my crossword puzzle is one way I do that.), but also we need extended Sabbaths. It might be a long weekend of joy, delight, and wonder or a Sabbatical where you take multiple months off.

Joy, delight, and wonder are the privileges of being a human being, I hope you find that soon.

Love,

Aaron