One of the purposes of Sabbatical is to take a time away so one can better appreciate the time together. Maybe it is akin to a marriage where absence can make the heart grow fonder. I had to stop by the church for a few minutes yesterday and was surprised at how much I enjoyed seeing a number of people and being in my office. It is a good sign, that at the end of this time of being away I will come back with a deeper appreciation for the people with whom I serve and the place where my ministry finds its fulfillment.
I've received several cards and calls concerning my surgery last week. I appreciate them all and know that the prayers and thoughts have been a part of my healing. I've felt surrounded by the church. I'm doing very well. There is no pain, just some tenderness. I'm walking a lot each day and sleeping well at night. There will be a few adjustments to be made in my digestive system, but that is manageable.
We are leaving first thing in the morning for the biggest part of our Sabbatical travels. Hopefully most things will fall into place as they have been planned and the only surprises we have will be good ones.
There is often something in our nature that desires going away. Maybe it is a response to God's call. "The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you" (Genesis 12: 1). Maybe there is an element of running away from responsibility, "But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshis" (Jonah 1:3). Maybe it is a desire to be independent, free from expectations,"The younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country" (Luke 15:13b). Sometimes a journey is directed and guided by God's Spirit, "The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. Whatever the reason for this Sabbatical journey, I hope the result for me and for the congregation will be that experienced by shepherds long ago who, after leaving their duties for a brief time to go to Bethlehem, "Returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen" (Luke 2:20a).