Northeast Christian Church granted me a Sabbatical, a very kind gift, during July. I am grateful for the ability to pause. I thought I'd have a hard time disconnecting from deadlines, emails and meetings but I didn't. I thought I'd have a hard time feeling that I needed to achieve something but I didn't. Why? Because deep down, I know that if Jesus needed times of solitude, I do as well. As a side note, it was very insightful that on my sabbatical, I learned that in addition to churches, businesses (especially outside the United States) are offering sabbaticals to their employees after 10 years of service.
As I prepared for sabbatical, my main goal was to rest. I do carry heavy burdens. I do feel weary at times. I held onto Matthew 11:28-30. "Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls..."
"Rest time is not waste time. It is economy to gather fresh strength." Charles Spurgeon
My goals for Sabbatical:
1. Rest, relax, renew: I went on vacation with Wally, took walks in my neighborhood and with friends, went hiking at Natural Bridge, played pickleball, floated in the pool, reconnected with good friends over coffee, and spent time with my immediate and extended family. Honestly, there were days I felt lonely because I was just with myself but I am still learning the blessing/balance of freedom and structure.
2. Learn a new skill (or at least try!): I took a few golf lessons and played golf with co-workes and Wally/Max. Let's just say I've got a long way to go but it's at least a start.
3. Desert days -uninterrupted time in silence, prayer and study: I spent quiet time at a cabin in LaGrange where I practiced centering prayer and spent time studying 1 Timothy. These desert days anchored my soul or the next season of ministry at Northeast Christian.
I am grateful to God for this time!
No comments:
Post a Comment