Well, my sabbatical time is fast approaching, and I am so grateful that our Episcopal Churches make this a priority for their clergy, and that St. John’s has made it a priority, too, by “saving up” over the last several years and inviting special gifts from all of you.
While the church as an institution has made sabbatical leave a priority, I unfortunately have not; so this will be my first sabbatical in 26 years of ordained ministry. Every time I was “due” for a sabbatical (3 months of sabbatical, every 7 years), I’ve convinced myself that it wasn’t practical because I was in the midst of a transition between parishes, or in the middle of adopting a child, or “I just couldn’t leave right now because this-or-that-thing going on at church was too important.” I now recognize this as foolishness.
None of us is indispensable. All of us need extended periods of rest and renewal. And this is especially true for anyone who works in a helping profession. Maybe I’m finally starting to wise up a bit after a quarter century in this vocation. And maybe not: I did convince myself – and our Vestry – that it wasn’t practical for me take a full 3 months away this year, so I made it 6 weeks + 2 weeks of vacation; and agreed I’d take the other six weeks next year.
Fr. Mawethu, Roxanne Johnson (Senior Warden), and I met this week with Bishop William Gregg, a retired bishop who assists Bishops Sam and Jennifer from time to time, because he will take their place for the annual bishop’s Visitation on our Patronal Feast Day (June 23 this year). After discussing all the nitty gritty of the Visitation, Bishop Gregg wished me well on my sabbatical and then said, “You might want to let the parish know that when you return from sabbatical, you’ll be different.”
It startled me a bit to hear this at first, and it may startle you, too. But he’s right. While I’ve never had a proper sabbatical, I have been fortunate to have shorter periods of 2-3 weeks for retreats here and there, and other significant renewal opportunities over the years; and every time I’ve taken the time to dive deep for a prolonged period of time into prayer, discernment, rest, and play it has led to significant growth and personal transformation.
I look forward to the time away; and I look forward to a sweet reunion upon my return. May this be a time for all of you to enjoy different voices from the pulpit and different folks leading Tapestry reflection time; and may you all get a bit of sabbath rest as well. See you this Sunday, and then again on July 7!
This comes with Love,
Mo. Sarah+