Sabbath is that uncluttered time and space in which we can distance ourselves from our own activities enough to see what God is doing.
—Eugene Peterson
As the dawn of my sabbatical is on the horizon starting Monday, I find myself beginning to reflect about the upcoming reality. This will be a new experience. I have not taken a sabbatical before….ever. I am reminded of one of my favorite prayers in our Book of Common Prayer: This is another day O Lord. I do not know what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words and give me the spirit of Jesus. Amen
While I do not know exactly what this time “will bring forth”, what I do know is how grateful I am to David and the Vestry for this gift of time. I feel fortunate to be entering this period that all is well with my mind, body and spirit. That sense of well-being will be a affirmative foundation on which to navigate how I spend my days, focused on being vulnerable to and curious about deepening my relationship with God. Leading up to my unexpected call to ministry 17 years ago, I had chapters of passion that included gardening, photography, painting and building stone walls. (Yes, you read that right!) During those periods I became aware that they were not just ‘pastimes’ but rather experiences of the spiritual. Claiming them as “holy” and not “hobbies” at the time was a huge insight for my personal faith journey. Therefore, I want to return to those areas (well maybe not the stone walls!) in order to reengage with that which gave roots to my pilgrimage. In addition I plan to spend extended quiet time at our cottage in Tidewater Virginia. The view of the Chesapeake Bay is my sanctuary which provides a tranquil sense of being.
I want to thank you, this wonderful congregation, for all the support I have received since my sabbatical was announced. Your well wishes, your enthusiasm, your prayers have meant so, so much. Being on sabbatical does not mean I will leave ‘you’ in my office until I return. For me, it means holding all the relationships in my heart. It reminds me of a mother who goes on a trip away from her children….she does not put away her caring for the children….they are always right before her….and so will you be as well.
I end with the following quote that seems so fitting:
Sabbath means to cease not only from work itself, but also from the need to accomplish and be productive, from the worry and tension that accompany our modern criterion of efficiency, from our efforts to be in control of our lives as if we were God, from our possessiveness and our enculturation, and, finally, from the humdrum and meaninglessness that result when life is pursued without the Lord at the center of it all.
—Marva J. Dawn
I look forward to reuniting with you all during the 2nd week of August.
Blessings,
Caroline