Which Family is Yours? by Mae Mark

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 11, 1916

Which Family is Yours?

By Mae Mark

MAE MARK

CONNECTED with every admonition of our blessed Master we find reason, example, or promise. He set apart the seventh day as a day of rest, and refraining from labor himself on that day, blessed and hallowed it for the use of man. He left in this memorial a constant link between heaven and earth, one holy day out of every weekly cycle, when we are to lay aside our usual duties, and in quietness meditate upon things divine.

We are commanded, “Be still, and know that I am God.” But how often we bring earthly cares into holy time! No, we do not perform work on the Sabbath day; but our minds, still drunk with the cares of life, are not where they should be. The hours of the Sabbath slip by, and at its close our hearts are heavy instead of being refreshed by God’s blessing in the renewing of his precious promises.

The Sabbath was given us as a sign that we may know the Lord who “sanctifieth” us. What a blessing we miss if we spend our Sabbaths in a careless way, just passing the time, waiting for the sun to set. This is very easy, but we must remember that it gives Satan an opportunity to slip in suggestions.

The servant of the Lord has told us that we must be careful of the ends of the Sabbath, for these moments are as sacred as those at noonday. But how often sundown on Friday evening is the busiest time of the day. The father is hurrying with the evening work, and in his haste speaks sharply to the little son near by. The little fellow wishes in his heart that Sabbath would never come, for as he goes into the house, mother is hurrying too. The last bit of baking is being hurried, and she is impatient because things do not go right. Sister is fretful and frowning, partaking of the general atmosphere. Until bedtime there is one grand rush, for there is much to do; but when supper, baths, and worship are finally over, the parents feel that their duty is done, and are glad tomorrow is a “rest” day, because they are so very tired. But morning somehow brings with it the same spirit of hurry, for the family slept late. Sister does not want to go to Sabbath school, but is compelled to attend. Her spirit of rebellion only adds to the general family discomfort, and all are really glad and sigh in relief when the day is over.

Across the road is another Sabbath-keeping family, but here conditions are very different. At sundown they all gather for worship, baths all taken, evening duties done. After a light lunch they study the Sabbath school lesson, or rather review it, for they have been going over it during the week. Often they take turns reading from some good book or one of our papers, and at bedtime retire for a quiet, peaceful rest. The very presence of the holy angels can be felt there. Morning brings together a happy family, each anxious to get ready for Sabbath school because he really loves to go. The day seems all too short; and as they kneel for evening worship at sunset, they thank the heavenly Father for what has been truly a time of refreshing.

Shall we not study and pray for wisdom to make the Sabbath a day of real enjoyment for every member of the family, young as well as old?

Lemoore, Cal.