Sam here. From 1989-1991, I worked at McDonald’s. It was my first real job and the first one that challenged my rules about Sabbath-keeping.
Dana and I worked together often enough that she knew I attended youth group, read the Bible, and didn’t work on Sundays. I was fine with missing youth group from time to time to fill in a shift, but I never worked on Sundays. Ever. I stated that in my interview, and the managers – including Dana who was not a believer – respected it.
One Sunday after church, Dana called to say that several crew members had called in sick. She asked if I would consider working a four-hour shift. I said no. She knew this was Sunday and apologized for asking me to compromise, but could I? No. She said there would be only one cashier, one grill cook and her to do everything else in the restaurant and she had already called everyone else possible and I was the very last on the list, could I please help her this one and only time? No, I’m sorry, but no.
To this day, I think Jesus wanted me to work on that Sabbath.
Dana wasn’t exhibiting some kind of power move over her subordinate. Nor was she casually looking for warm bodies to fill spaces so that she could enjoy a relaxing afternoon at work. She was asking me, in so many words, to help pull her ox out of a well (Luke 14:5).
From then on, we didn’t connect. We worked together many times afterward, yes, but with a chill. My attempts to reconcile went unheard. Now almost twenty years later, I wonder how Dana views Christians. Am I that guy who forever negatively represents the Church to her? I don’t know. I can’t fix that or justify carrying this small burden with me for life. I do think, however, that I should have worked on that Sabbath.
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Photo by Ann Voskamp. Used with permission. Post written by Sam Van Eman.
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Ah, the wisdom that sometimes comes with distance, and age!
I wonder how others here deal with such Sabbath questions.
I’m not sure, LL, maybe they’ll share…hint, hint.
The difficulties and challenges of following your beliefs. But, as L.L. stated with age comes wisdom and understanding.
Even as a teacher I try to make sure that my “work” is done by Friday or Saturday afternoon so I am not busy with lesson plans on Sunday.
Thought provoking post Sam…thanks
Speaking of wisdom, that’s a good move, Eric. I know it isn’t always possible, but what a great practice to develop.
I have been faced with this question many times. I have made many black and white decisions as you have but there have been times where I have stepped in and pulled the ox out of the well. Both have left me with questions but I know that the times that I have pulled the ox out, have been the times that people have come back to enquire about God.
As the years pass, I am realising that God’s grace is the foundation of His justice, which is embodied in His law, and thus grace should be my foundation as well. Does grace manifest itself more accurately in me meeting the need of one who does not understand the Sabbath as I do, or does it manifest more accurately in rigid law keeping?
I do not believe that there is a hard and fast answer. Each individual case needs His wisdom which He promises.
If I consider what scripture says about the purpose of the Sabbath, it is clear that it is a memorial of Christ as creator and sanctifier. Both these actions symbolise His redemptive work. Thus all my actions should centre on bringing His redemption to others.
If I apply this to a work situation such as yours, then I would have gone into work but I would have asked not to be paid. In this way, I am offering my life, my time and my energy as a gift so that a weary soul can find rest. Sabbath is about gifting and rest after all.
About Eric’s comments, I agree. I keep Sabbath on a Saturday and I too try to ensure that my activities are complete by Friday evening when the sun sets as this is the time that God ordains in Genesis as the period that determines a day.
We have a special supper every Friday night to open Sabbath and it is honestly my favourite part of any week. It is an absolute release that I look forward to each week.
Beautifully said. The true heart of the sabbath!
Go in without pay… That’s fun, Claire. Not sure McD’s would have permitted it, but I like the intent.
Ellen, thanks.
ah, so you must be in your late thirties…you are still very young, kiddo!
another lesson is…
don’t answer the phone on the day that you want to rest.
such simple and profound wisdom nancy ; )
What a great, thought-provoking post! It sounds like lots of people have thoughts on this subject. I couldn’t respond earlier b/c I was on vacation – a very Sabbathy one.
Glad for the Sabbathy vacation. I love those. Thanks for the complement.