Hello dear friend
I hope you had a wonderful week! I’m finally saying goodbye to my short-term rental car today. It’s been quite a journey since my car broke down on the motorway, and I’m now looking forward to finding a reliable permanent replacement. How have things been on your end?
I’ve been thinking a lot about the history of weekends lately. While the concept of rest actually dates back to the very beginning—with God establishing the “Sabbath” on the seventh day for worship and restoration—our modern two-day weekend is a hard-won result of the labour movements.
In the 19th century, British workers campaigned for a “half-holiday” on Saturdays to ensure they wouldn’t be too exhausted for Sunday worship.
This momentum grew globally, and in the United States, the movement was furthered by labour unions and the 1908 establishment of a five-day work week by a New England cotton mill to accommodate Jewish workers observing the Sabbath.
By 1926, Henry Ford began shutting down his automotive factories on both Saturdays and Sundays, and the 40-hour workweek was eventually codified into law through the Fair Labour Standards Act of 1938. The power of one person with influence and the will to achieve a purpose.
What would you codify into law if you could do it?
“And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.” Genesis 2:2.
While weekends are meant for recharging, they often feel like an extension of our busy to-do lists. I truly believe a restorative weekend is possible for everyone, even with the beautiful chaos of young children, deadlines, and household chores.
It just takes a little intentionality! By choosing activities that help your heart and mind recover—like a quiet morning or a walk in nature—you can start the week feeling lighter.
To find your own rhythm of rest, you might ask yourself:
- What activities make me feel genuinely lighter?
- What drains me, even if I usually enjoy it?
- What have I been missing lately?
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Instead of a “productivity marathon” this Saturday, try balancing your tasks with something you love, like cooking a favourite meal or visiting a peaceful spot. Taking a break from screens can also work wonders for mental quiet.
If you’re able, don’t hesitate to outsource the chores that steal your joy—sometimes treating ourselves to a little extra help with the laundry or car detailing is the best gift we can give ourselves!
Rest is also so closely tied to the “quality” of our relationships, starting with the one we have with ourselves.
Take a moment to imagine the most relaxed version of you—how do they spend their day? What do they wear? Who is their friend? How do they speak? Elaborate on this life in detail. Once we embrace that peaceful version of ourselves, it becomes so much easier to nurture healthy, life-giving connections with others.
In short, try to spend your time with people who truly nourish your soul rather than out of obligation. Your time and your well-being are so incredibly valuable!
You don’t need a big trip to feel refreshed; sometimes restoration is found in simply giving yourself permission to slow down and move toward the person you want to be, one day at a time, line upon line, precept upon precept, without pressure but moving steadily toward the goal, with conviction.
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Bet on yourself and your ability to create the life you dream about, no more autopilot. You are a creative force of life.
Let there be light!
Until next time — stay warm, stay growing, stay loving, stay whole.
With love and light,
Amaka.
