Most people are familiar with an academic sabbatical - but that isn't what I'm dealing with. A sabbatical break is not academic in nature, it is spiritual - Sabbath. After six, take one off - that's the God given pattern in the Bible. Work six days, have a day set apart as different. Work the land six years, take a year off. A pattern of purposeful rest. My church is great for giving me this time, as my seventh year comes to a close I have the gift of three months. I want to use it well - but what does that mean?
Don't get me wrong, this isn't the first time I've thought about this. I have shared my intentions with the church board, I have bounced ideas off of an advisory group, I have written about it in the church newsletter, I have sought the advice of others, I have prayed... but now the three month "rest" is within sight. I want to "rest" well, and I'm confident it doesn't mean cycling between bed, couch and hammock for three months. And 12 hour days of prayer and reflection is probably beyond my abilities...Then there are details like: I have a wife and kids... There are meals, events and laundry.... As I reflect tonight, I do think I am preparing to sabbatical well. Interviewing those in ministry is hearing from God. Spending time working in the woods is time set apart, resting from my life. The road trip we have planned doesn't sound restful - but it will allow me to be more separate from the norm (while connected to my family).
Sabbath rest is not about crashing on the couch. It is about true refreshment which comes as we are reminded of our place before God. Sabbatical rest - maybe it can be a reminder that what I do for God isn't as important as who I am before God... It will be interesting to see what that means....
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