Sabbath in the Suburbs

"Dana, a Presbyterian pastor, brings a fresh voice and energy to the familiar topic of time management as understood by people who would describe themselves as either religious or spiritual but not religious: Sabbath-keeping. She writes from a perspective that many can relate to, that of a suburban mother of three who works part-time. Bringing the gift of self-awareness and irony, Dana notes that a four-minute difference in school bus rides ought not to prompt a letter-writing campaign from anxious parents. She also brings theological awareness of the historical practice and meaning of Sabbath-keeping. Dana writes in a distinct voice about making a traditional religious practice meaningful to contemporary families."
-Publishers Weekly, September 3, 2012, issue

This accessible, realistic book combines narrative and reflection. Written by a young Presbyterian pastor who is the mother of three young children (ages three, five, and seven), it chronicles a year-long quest for a different relationship with time. Along the way, MaryAnn Dana not only learns to see life through the eyes and minds of her children, but also finds her own inner stillness and calm.....There is one chapter for each month of the year. Dana discovers that the months present thematic foci such as letting things be, delight, balance, or slowness. In the final month (August), she looks back and realizes that the year has been an adventure in freedom, and that freedom is gained in setting limits. She learns that Sabbath does not just happen: limits must be set, compromises made, and missteps forgiven. Deeper than rest days and more than a mindset, Sabbath becomes an ongoing force in life that fosters perspective and clarity..... Given the ages of her children, Dana admits that things will change as her children grow older. I hope there will be a sequel as she experiences the teen years, and I wish this book had been available when I was raising my own children.—Joanne Staebler, Interpretation, October 2014