Proclaimer Blog
A short break
As I mentioned yesterday, I’m taking a three month sabbatical from mid November to mid February. I need to rest, refresh and spend time with the Lord every day, but this concentrated burst will help me greatly as I seek to minister to others. There’s nothing particularly spiritual about sabbaticals: I don’t think you can make a Bible case for pastors to have them particularly. They fall into the “godly wisdom” category.
At my last church I had written into my contract that I accrued 2 weeks for every year worked to be taken with agreement of elders. This meant that after five years, I could take a 10 week study break. It also meant that if things were tough, I could take an earlier break. I liked that practice, although others work well too.
This time around there are no grand plans. No Masters to complete or books to write (though there are some projects that require some attention). No, the main project is my soul and I shall be prayerfully planning a timetable that will deliver not letters after my name, nor books with my imprint, but for a soul that is nurtured and cultivated. “O that my soul could love and praise him more, his beauties trace, his majesty adore, live near his heart, rest in his love each day, hear his dear voice and all his will obey.”