When I was first asked to write about Sabbath and stillness, a particular memory came to mind—one that stretches back to my early years as a Felician Sister, when I was new to the ministry of teaching. At that time, I had little experience balancing the responsibilities of a “job” with my personal and communal life as a young religious. Each day felt packed with activity—at least, that’s how I perceived it—and I never seemed to get ahead.
When the weekend finally arrived, instead of resting, I found myself even busier, trying to complete everything that remained unfinished. That always included writing my lesson plans for the week ahead. I tried to finish them on Saturday, but rarely succeeded. That left Sunday to tackle what was often a two-hour task.
I resented it.
I had grown up believing that Sunday, the Christian Sabbath, was meant to be a day of rest and renewal. After all, even God rested on the seventh day, delighting in the beauty of creation. The Fourth Commandment calls us to keep that day holy—a time set apart as a blessing. And yet, there I was, laboring over lesson plans instead of following God’s example. It felt so unfair.
Many years have passed since then, but my belief in the sacredness of Sabbath has only deepened. I believe in its necessity—not just for myself, but for everyone.
While “Sabbath” traditionally refers to a specific day of worship—Saturday or Sunday, depending on one’s faith—it can also describe any time we intentionally set aside our usual responsibilities. It is a time to rest in God’s presence, to step away from life’s demands, and to embrace the grace of slowing down. In doing so, we begin to reflect more deeply on who we are and how we are called to live.
This is where stillness enters in.
Stillness—quiet, calm, and attentiveness—is at the heart of Sabbath. In Psalm 46, we are invited: “Be still and know that I am God.” This is not always easy in a world filled with constant noise and activity, both around us and within us. Yet the invitation remains: to pause, to listen and to encounter God in the silence.
Sabbath rest. Sabbath stillness. An opportunity to turn from the noise of the world toward the peace of God.
You might be wondering: what does all of this have to do with Maryville Retreat Center? Isn’t it possible to experience Sabbath stillness at home, in church or even in a quiet library?
Yes—it is.
Sabbath stillness is available anywhere, at any time, if we are willing to make space for it.
And yet, Maryville Retreat Center was created to make that invitation easier to embrace.
Here, we offer a peaceful setting surrounded by natural beauty—an environment intentionally designed to foster reflection, prayer and renewal. It is a place where the distractions of daily life fall away more gently, and where the path to stillness becomes clearer. Whether you come for a day or a longer retreat, Maryville provides sacred space to reconnect with God, with yourself, and with what truly matters.
And perhaps most importantly, Maryville is open seven days a week—offering you the freedom to observe Sabbath rest whenever you need it most.
I often think back to those early years when I grumbled about “working” on Sundays. Today, as a volunteer receptionist at Maryville, part of my ministry includes being present on Sundays as guests prepare to leave.
And now?
I no longer complain.
Instead, I am inspired.
I witness the joy and peace our guests carry with them after their time here. I hear their gratitude. I see the quiet transformation that comes from stepping away and entering into stillness.
And I thank God for the blessing of encountering such remarkable people.
I invite you to come and experience Sabbath stillness at Maryville Retreat Center—that together, we may rejoice in the goodness of the Lord.
