From left, Alice Liu, Julie Szolek-Van Valkenburgh (PVM director), Nicole Engels and Rachel Andrepont take time out for a photo.

By Rachel Andrepont, 2008-2009 Providence Volunteer Minister

To me, a PVM Sabbath day is a space for us to come together as community and share without television time or work tasks to accomplish. It is purely to focus on the gift of life that God has unexpectedly and lovingly offered us. A gift that is ours uniquely to make what we will of it, yet shared with all of creation from the stones to the alpacas. It is a PVM Sabbath day that brings this reality to the forefront.

In our last intentional "being together" or Sabbath on Dec. 5, Julie, Nicole, Alice, and I spent living in the present mixed with reviewing the past. The theme was our journey over the last year.

Dede Swinehart, our Sabbath day guide, opened with an essay by Maya Angelou and then a physical practice which imitated Angelou’s described "aimless" walk: "going where your feet would take you and stopping where you may, knowing not your name, occupation, or address — being with you in the moment." 

From left, Dede Swinehart (December 2008 Sabbath Day presenter), Nicole Engels, Rachel Andrepont and Alice Liu at Dede's home in Indianapolis.

After returning from the chilly sojourn outside, we shared ideas or observations that struck us. It was interesting to hear from each person the different observations we each made. Every one of us noticed the cold, but others commented on crossing property lines and boundaries, the music of the wind chimes and their appreciation to those who hung them, and finally others spoke of poetry and silent prayers.

After living in the present by enjoying a wonderful meal and stories of kitchen fiascos, we focused on what I found to be the most important activity of the Sabbath Day. We took time to reflect on and illustrate 2008’s valleys, meadows, rock piles, mountains, quicksand, lemonade stands, lakes, and bridges. Each of us reflected, created our journey map of 2008 and then shared as we felt called to. I believe the sharing is the most wonderful part of any activity, labor, or enjoyment. In daily life and especially in the Sabbath, every moment truly shared helps us to understand the Divine better and grow in an understanding of ourselves as individuals yet belonging to one another. I thank God for the blessing of being able to participate in and learn from Sabbath days as a PVM.