The pattern of my days shifts today. This is the final day of my sabbatical and tomorrow is the start of some vacation time. It has been an excellent sabbatical. I have managed to fit a lot into this stretch of days!
I have read, researched and compiled a final report on my sabbatical study topic “The Relationship between the United Church of Canada and the Canadian Military.”
Here is what I learned: It is complicated.
Very complicated.
Even so, given the time and resources available, I feel I have done well by the subject matter. I have made every effort to be objective and present a diversity of views and theological perspectives.
I have enjoyed this wonderful time with P. This time to simply enjoy each day and whatever it might bring has been gift and grace. We have laughed a lot, shared delightful meals, lounged on the patio, and treasured each day.
I also read a multitude – and I mean, a LOT – of excellent fiction. What a treat to dive into a good book and not need to worry about staying up half the night to finish it!
I finish this sabbatical time with a renewed energy and enthusiasm for my return to ministry in September. I have read a few books (unrelated to my study) that may be good Fall group studies and I have some ideas for upcoming worship. As much as I have enjoyed this time, I have also missed my church. It will be good to dive back into the “congregational river” when I return.
Perhaps the most important thing I have learned during these past months has been the importance of self-care.
I know that I’ve learned this a few times in the past. And I’ve forgotten in the past. It is so difficult to remember how to hold up one’s personal need for spiritual nurture when caught in the maelstrom of the needs of the day.
I’ve discovered again how much more clearly I can gather my thoughts and reflections after a good night of sleep.
I’ve learned again how to still my mind and spirit and find my meditative sweet spot. How did I not visit this God-shaped space everyday?
This has been an excellent time to test out dietary and environmental triggers for my migraines. I have a much clearer sense of what it takes for me to minimize the frequency and severity of my pain. I feel now, more than ever before, that I have the upper hand on the pain. I no longer seize up with fear (which makes the pain worse) at the onset of a migraine. I map out a plan so that I have options when and if the pain ramps up. It does not remove the challenge of living with migraine. It does empower me to transform the way I cope with it all.
I have also reaffirmed something I already knew. I LOVE to be organized. I have cleaned closets, organized cupboards and discovered that I hum while sorting socks in order of colour. Sometimes I wonder if this is a result of living a relatively unpredictable and occasionally chaotic life. If I can have even one area of my life that shouts “Order!” every time I hang up my jacket, well, that’s pretty amazing.
Yes. This has been a time of deep blessing!
Happy August everyone!
4 comments:
I'm so glad that the sabbatical has been successful. You are refreshed and rejuvenated!
What a blessing to read this! I'm glad it has been so fulfilling and relaxing for you.
And yes, I'm pretty sure the organization love comes from the wackiness of ministry. I've got it too.
Sounds like the best kind of sabbatical. Hope you enjoy your vacation and that the fruit of your sabbatical, particularly in the rhythms of self-care, get carried with you as you resume congregational ministry
Love your quote about faith on the sidebar. Doing a lot of pondering about faith lately. You helped me long ago, turn the corner on my own ability to have faith.
Enjoy your vacation! Can't find your email in my mail box, so excuse me for saying here: I hope you will have time to submit to our October Blog Carnival, theme: venting about migraines! I am hosting but Diana Lee at Somebody Heal Me will take submissions.
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