What I learned during my time on sabbatical and how you can apply it to your church work or home life.
After 10+ years at Fishhook, I took a sabbatical for the month of July. What a gift! Throughout the month, I was encouraged in so many ways. I learned things that I'm now hoping to apply in my everyday life. I hope my sharing will encourage your everyday life as well.
I had three basic goals for my time off:
- To seek God.
- To rest.
- To be with family and friends.
My calendar for the month was very simple:
- First week: Family vacation
- Second week: Home
- Third week: Home
- Fourth week: Home
So when did the learning in July begin for me?
The very first morning as I rolled over in bed ... I immediately reached for my phone. I scanned email, news headlines and social media. My mind began to spin.
I hadn't expected that my mind would yearn to fill itself up with activity. Without work, my mind would still search to be busy – even anxious. That first morning, I was drawn to the drama of the headlines and social media posts. I even felt stress about making the most of my month off. Stress about enjoying my vacation? Oh great!
This wasn't how I wanted to start my month of refreshment.
In fact, come to think of it, this isn't how I want to start any day. Ever.
In early July, I wrote in my journal:
Psalm 5:3: "In the morning, I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."
God, I look to you first each day through prayer and your Word. I'm open. Anything, anytime, anywhere for your glory.
Throughout July, this beautiful morning time could be relaxed and drawn out if I wanted it to be. That's the beauty of vacation.
In my regular life? I'm thrilled if I have 20 minutes for this time. And I'm resolved that two minutes is the bare minimum when the mornings are hectic.
This time? This focus? It's a game-changer. I look up. My anxiety turns to calm. My fear turns to trust.
I'm waking up with more intentionality these days – God's Word and prayer ahead of Facebook and email.
What about you? What about your family? What about your team? What habit have you as an individual, family or team adopted at work, at church, at home or in another part of life that is causing you to look down – instead of looking up?
For clues about what this habit might be, capture some thoughts or journal about your best days (or best moments in a day). What isn't included as you ponder these times for yourself, family or team? What change will you make?
