Protecting Your Peace Amidst Chaos

When I reflected on this Fall season 🍂, I knew that I needed to make some changes in my life. I needed to find rest that wasn’t just based on superficial self-care rituals, like face masks or bubble baths, although there’s nothing wrong with that. What I needed was something deeply rooted in mindfulness and intentionality. I discovered that I needed my Sundays to be slow, simple, and, as a Christian, to be sacred.

“So, then, what’s with the pictures of apple crisp?”, you might be asking yourself. First of all, I just really wanted some warm, ooey, gooey, crunchy apple crisp - I mean, ‘tis the season, right? 🤷🏽‍♀️ But, in making this apple crisp, from scratch, I uncovered the secret to having a sacred Sunday that goes beyond the religious connotations, yet, still connects me with God - creativity. 🎨

In his book, The Artisan Soul, Pastor Erwin McManus writes, “When we are freed from the rules and regulations that are so often imposed on us in the name of God, we discover that creativity is the natural result of spirituality.” Yes, I wanted apple crisp. But, more than that, I just felt like creating something. I felt like working with my hands 🤲🏽, and then enjoying the literal (baked) fruits of my labour (topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of homemade salted caramel, of course). I felt the urge to express the very nature of God within me - to create and be creative.

In Exodus 20:8, it says to “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” In the past, I understood this verse to mean not doing any “work”, and dutifully attending church to worship with a body of fellow believers ⛪️. But, if I’m honest…my attending church on Sundays didn’t necessarily mean I was keeping my Sabbath holy. In fact, at times, it felt like the complete opposite.

Nearly two years ago, I left a church I’d been attending for nearly 4 years or so. Every Saturday night, my husband and I would have the awkward conversation about whether or not to go to church the next morning. He felt we should, as it’s part of the tenets of our faith. I, on the other hand, hated going to this particular church. And, I don’t use that word lightly. I couldn’t stand how self-absorbed, aloof, and downright ignorant the leadership was, and how those negative characteristics so readily trickled down to the volunteers who found themselves #AllIn with its culture and narrative. I did not fit in, and to be fair, nor did I try or want to. The anxiety I felt about attending this church every Sunday, not connecting with anyone in a genuine way, and having to strap on a smile to get through the morning was in no way, shape, or form cultivating a sense of peace in my life, or drawing me to the LORD.

As I’ve reflected on the sacredness of Sundays, I’ve come to recognize that the rest that’s found in the Sabbath is meant to protect your peace. In keeping it holy, we’re creating space for God amongst our busy lives, in our restless minds, and in our distracted hearts. So, again, what does that have to do with apple crisp? Over the last two years of being “church home-less”, I’ve actually re-connected with God in the most natural and genuine way - as a Friend, as a Father, as a Protector, Provider, and Comforter. The characteristics of the LORD have come alive to me in a way that colourful lights, large LED screens, filling a seat, and harmonizing along to a mediocre worship band never could.

I’ve found God in the slow, quiet, peaceful moments of peeling apples 🍎 - appreciating their vibrant red skins, their subtle sweetness. I’ve connected with God whilst measuring out flour, oats, sugar, and fragrant spices. I thank Him when the smell of baking apples, cinnamon, and cloves fills my apartment, and for when all of this goodness hits my tastebuds, delights my soul, and fills my belly 😋. I thank Him for the harvest, for seasons of growth and plenty, and for being not just the Creator of all these things, but for being creative when making it all.

This might ruffle some feathers that are tightly wound up church tradition, but, my relationship with God has grown so much more outside of my church attendance than it did otherwise. In learning about who God is, and who I am in Him, I’ve come to love, trust, and draw nearer to Him. Now, don’t get me wrong. Besides this one church, my experience of church has honestly been pretty good. And, all of this is not to say that I’ll never attend church again, nor that I’m against organized religion. Not at all! I am, however, vindicated and justified in what I’ve always known and felt to be true - that my faith and my relationship with God is not predicated by which church I’m attending, if at all, and certainly not by who my Pastor is.

Walks amongst the changing colours on the trees 🍁. A crisp, cool breeze hitting my face. Or, time spent alone in a kitchen, peeling apples, listening to John Mayer, and quieting praying in my heart - all of this reminds me of the Creator whom I serve, whom I’m fashioned after, and who has compelled me to create. All of this is what makes for a sacred Sunday 🙏🏽.

I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. What are some ways that you connect with yourself, or, if you’re a person of faith, with God?

PS - I was so proud of this apple crisp, that I felt inclined to create this video! My husband helped me shoot it, of course, but I edited it all by myself for the first time ever! I hope you enjoy it, and try the recipe as well (it’s in the description box of the YouTube video).

Cheers,

Octavia