thankful

This past month, as I prepare to leave for Brazil, I have been reflecting on this first half of 2006. It really has been all that I hoped and prayed for and MORE! Thank you Lord! I am grateful to God for the amazing ways he has weaved together times of travel, learning, being mentored, growing, and resting in Him! In early-2005 I wrote a staff sabbatical proposal for the church leadership at Grace. Obviously, I didn't end up taking the church sponsored sabbatical while on staff. God had other plans! I did, however, end up sticking pretty close to my sabbatical hopes and goals, but instead it was on "my own time." I guess you could call it my self-sponsored, "in between jobs sabbatical."

Here is what I wrote in my sabbatical proposal back in early-2005...
"Two books have been helpful in considering how to make the most of this sabbatical opportunity: Clergy Renewal: The Alban Guide to Sabbatical Planning and Journey toward Renewal. As both book titles suggest, the emphasis is on renewal. One author describes sabbatical as "a time to receive, to be nurtured, to dig deeper into yourself, your relationship with God, and your own roots and stories, so that you can be renewed, refreshed, and revitalized by the breath of God." In a nutshell, this understanding of sabbatical has been the guiding framework for me as I prayed and pursued options for this sabbatical time. I feel I have reached an important season of ministry where I need to step back from all God has done and make intentional space for God to renew, refresh, and revitalize my personal relationship with Him and ministry."

As I read and revisit what I wrote a year and a half ago, I am overwhelmed with thanksgiving for how God answered my hopes and prayers! This sabbatical season has truly been a time of renewal, refreshment, and revitalization in my relationship with God and in ministry. In addition, this season has also made me realize the importance and value of Sabbath rest! Very rarely do we have opportunity to take six months for Sabbatical! But, making space and time for weekly Sabbath in our lives is vital to our spiritual lives and relationship with the Master. Plus, God tells us to honor the Sabbath and leads us by His example! Too often I have neglected Sabbath in my life...but, it is something I am convinced that I must give intentional priority moving forward!

Stay tuned...