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I’ve been asked at least 100 times how my sabbatical was. It’s hard to put into words all that I encountered and learned during my time away. During my sabbatical season I was given permission to LET GO, LEAN IN and LEARN MORE. I will always be grateful to the elders at The Well for the space I was given. I feel refreshed and renewed, ready for the next chapter of service to our church. Here’s my attempt to give an overview of what was a life giving experience.
First of all, I let go – of my work, my schedule, my pace. I let go of work apps, of coffee (crazy right), and social media. Exactly 105 days went by without clicking on to Facebook. Amazing how quickly the time goes. I let go of the constant pressures and demands of ministry that filled my calendar, email and cell phone. I allowed myself to not be defined by what I do but who I am – a child of God, a redeemed soul, a forgiven son. It was extremely difficult early on but terribly rewarding as the time continued.
I was able to lean in to the Lord and to my family. I read the Scriptures not to teach it to someone but for my own private consumption. God’s Word was sweet to me and served as a lamp to my feet and light to my path. I enjoyed the Lord’s presence and His words of encouragement and correction. I preached the gospel to myself many days, reminded of Christ’s finished work on the cross and His transforming Spirit in me. Many things were brought to my light in my heart that were uncomfortable, and yet I sensed the Lord’s grace to expose them as well as change them.
I leaned into my family. They had me without distraction or interruption. Sometimes I do believe they wished me back at work when I turned into Sergeant Slaughter and made household chores a military operation. But often it was simply having Dad available to cook breakfast (I made a lot of pancakes and waffles this season), driving them to and from school, swim and church, and having the freedom to travel as a family, without obligations back home. I thoroughly enjoyed the extended time with my girls and made rich deposits into their lives that I know will pay dividends for years to come.
I learned a lot – about myself, about the world I live in, about others. I uncovered more about how God has wired me and how I operate as a person. I found out about my family history and made fascinating discoveries about my Schultz heritage. I learned how freely and refreshing it was not being on social media, especially during the election season. I read a lot – books I wanted to read, books that interested me, books I don’t normally have the time for. I read books that ranged from sports autobiographies to apologetics to the Civil War. Books that challenged me and helped me grow in wisdom and understanding.
The first couple of weeks were difficult as I detoxed from the grind of ministry and work, then I uncovered a sweet rhythm of travel, rest and enjoyment during the middle section, and near the end I realized how excited I was to return to The Well. I missed the people, I missed the work we do and I missed seeing God at work in the lives of so many.
A sabbatical is defined as a break or change from a normal routine, and as I return to the routine I feel full and ready for what the Lord has in store for me.