I'm Emily P. Freeman and welcome to the next right thing.

You're listening to episode 251.

This is a podcast about making decisions but also about making a life.

If you struggle with decision fatigue, chronic hesitation, or if you just need a few minutes

away from the constant stream of information and the sometimes delightful but also distracting

hum of entertainment, you're in the right place for discerning your next right thing.

Today, I'm glad to welcome guest Ruth Haley Barton to talk about an important and often

misunderstood spiritual practice, Sabbath.

Ruth has spent over 20 years as a student, a practitioner, and a leader in the area of

Christian spirituality and spiritual formation.

She served on the staff of several churches before founding the Transforming Center, a

ministry dedicated to creating space for God to strengthen the souls of leaders, equipping

them to lead transforming communities.

She reflects regularly on spirituality and leadership on her own podcast, strengthening

the soul of your leadership.

Ruth has written several books that have been transformational in my own life, and her

most recent release is called Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest, from Sabbath to sabbatical

and back again.

This is what I cannot wait to talk with her about today.

We'll listen in.

Well Ruth, I've been following your work for many years now, and I largely credit your

book Invitational to Solitude and Silence back from 2009, is that right?

...