Who Remembers the Blue Laws?

Wow. Who remembers the Blue Laws? From a thirty thousand foot high perspective, those laws held a value steeped in a well of virtue that for most today no longer exist. In addition to worship, in two short phrases, "DOWN TIME and SELFCARE." 

For those of you who do not know, the Blue Laws were/are a body of laws that prohibited secular activities on Sunday's. The laws date back to the Puritan days of the late 1700's and have endured right up to the 1980's and beyond for some...The Laws were originally enacted to enforce a strict policy encouraging worship. Today, many continue to worship but how many observe the Biblical message of Keeping the Sabbath Holy in it's literal form. Certainly not me...

I remember sitting on a curb one Sunday morning in 1979 with my friend. We were both 20 and in college. She had a little beater, an archaic light blue Volkswagen Beetle, rusted from the inside right through the floor boards to the outside. Although we had a few bucks, we couldn't buy gas, as nothing and I mean nothing was open. We barely made it back to our apartment that hot summer day...

In many parts of the country the last vestiges of the Blue Laws still exist today affecting hunters. One recent article asserted that as many as 11 States still adhere to the Blue Laws regarding the sport of hunting. 

I recently heard a talk on the Blue Laws and how the practice of refraining from secular activities was originally intended to obey one of the Ten Commandments and imposed for a good reason. In addition to worship, it was designed by God to REST. In Genesis, in the Creation story, God clearly rested on the seventh day. 

Rest is a critical component of self-care. Without it, we quickly deteriorate and are in danger of burnout. We can easily lose sight of those things that have nothing to do with consumerism and everything to do with fostering relationships with family and friends. 

If you are one who meditates, you might consider the value of resting one day a week if only to recharge and think about whether your life is peaceful, balanced and cultivating relationships. 

If you're a Biblical person, take a step back when thinking about shopping on Sunday's. If you're not already doing so, why not foster a new culture of inviting family and friends over for a meal or an activity after practicing worship.

Until recently, I never gave it a thought. I do now. 

Until next time...