October 17, 2025

As part of my formation journey a practice that I have been intentional about is Sabbath and spending more time to slow down and honor that. The desire had become stronger and stronger, and I felt it was important to honor and listen to the prompting in my spirit. He was calling me to take time and create a deeper relationship with Him through being intentional with my time so I could listen. Truly listen. 

So, to honor that prompt, I recently took some time to be alone and truly make time for Sabbath that day. I headed outside and went to a place where I could rest, pray, and above all, listen.  

As I walked and took in the sights, sounds, and the beauty around me, I saw a swing where I could be alone and decided to make that my spot to do all of the things I wanted to do. As I sat down to enjoy the time, I was surprised by the tears that started to run down my cheeks. I had just sat down and was settling in! What? I came to enjoy my time with Jesus and yet I was sitting there crying. I immediately knew what was prompting my heart and spirit and let the grieving happen. For such a long time I have struggled with something that takes up so much time and energy that I get weary, exhausted, and let it keep me from sharing my life with others in a truly deep way.  

I poured out my heart into the journal I brought and asked Him if I have a hope of ever getting better. I truly meant it! Have you ever felt that? A challenging time that seems like it may not end. The question came from deep within. For some reason, I pleaded for a sign that I would get better because it’s been a hard and long journey that has made me so very weary. I know that may have seemed like I was taking my spirit’s question a bit too far, but I was desperate. To my surprise, within a minute, a butterfly came and sat on my Bible and stayed with me for quite some time. It was a plain and common butterfly that does not usually catch a person’s eye because it easily blends in with its surroundings. I was so surprised that it stayed and spent so much time with me. As I looked closer at it, I noticed that the bottom of its wing was not fully formed and was not like the other wing. During the few minutes it stayed with me, it became apparent that it didn’t seem to inhibit the butterfly from going about life and flying. It made me realize that sometimes we experience things that leave a lasting mark or change us deeply, yet we still go on with life; just carrying that mark with us. It gave me a spark of hope.  

Over the next two days, I encountered TWO MORE of those same butterflies! One of them even landed on my windshield directly in front of me and stayed for some time. It was apparent God was telling me to have hope and know He is in this with me, even though I feel broken. I finally got the message that I will continue to get better but what has been a challenge in my life for years will become part of my life and will leave a lasting impact, but it WILL NOT keep me from loving and trusting my creator. 

I have continued to strive to practice Sabbath on a regular basis and still myself to hear and be with Jesus in a quiet way that is different from my devotional time where I can be still, rest, and rejuvenate with Him and with my family. 

I’ll end with Jeremiah 29:11 that so many of you probably know well. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a future." That is exactly what I’m finding in my Sabbath practice... HOPE.  

I want to challenge you to take the time to practice Sabbath. Take time to be still and replenish your spirit whether with friends, family, or time on your own.   

Robbon Heibel

Colerain Engagement Director

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