The twenty-third chapter of Leviticus talks about humbling your heart for rest (Leviticus 23:26-32). Rest tied to the Atonement made by God’s Son makes me think of my own child and this baby song about gratitude she sings.

I'm thankful for my family
I'm thankful for my friends
I'm thankful for the things I have
The thank you's never end
What are you thankful for?
What are you thankful for?
What are you thankful for?…

(“What are you Thankful For? Cocomelon). She opens her hands whenever she says “grateful,” tiny, perfect palms turned up to the ceiling or sky. I’m awed by it, for some reason. It might be that our toddler’s open hands aren’t part of the adorable choreography, but I think it’s more than that.

1At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

2Jesus invited a little child to stand among them. 3“Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5And whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me.

(Matthew 18, Berean Study Bible). I feel like God is speaking to our baby—that she is in accordance with God the Holy Spirit. She hasn’t learned pride yet—to work for her own glory. I think she is so open to the Life of the sevenfold Holy Spirit, because of her untarnished humility. I want the gratitude, which opens our toddler’s hands to open mine.

Sabbath is about rest. That rest opens our hands from striving to do and be the Impossible.

Trying to earn a place in God’s heaven.

Trying to be God.

When we open our hands, we agree with God that there is no way to earn what we’re seeking through financial schemes, by pursuing fame, when we add another item to our cart, or sign up for a Masterclass. Jesus fills the void—if we let Him inside. 

Accepting His sacrifice and salvation allows “a sabbath of complete rest to you” (Leviticus 23:32).

Humbling my soul allows me to open my hands and let go of all my unprofitable work.