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Sabbatical

Family, Sabbatical,

Sabbatical Revisited

A year I did something entirely new for me: I took the month of October off work. No email, no facebook, no business phone calls, no meetings, no ministry work, no board meetings, no lots of things. I checked out and focused on God, me, and D’Aun (pretty much in that order, though I admit I’m fallible).

The month was split in three main sections. First came a “chop wood, carry water” time when I helped D’Aun at the D’Oliva Olive Oil grove. Then came some time alone to think, write, and pray. Finally came a vacation to Italy

D'Oliva Olive Oil, Goble Properties, PathLight, Sabbatical, Uncategorized,

The Conclusion of the Matter

So it’s over. The month of October flew by fast and my sabbatical break from work and ministry is finished. A few folks have asked how I feel about that, and I must say that it is good to be back at work. Loved the break, but I’m eager to reengage with the many fun things that I have going.

Would I do some things differently? Yes, of course. The email fast was just a bit too long to be pragmatic. No fast on web surfing was a mistake. Next time I want D’Aun more involved, and next time it’s …

Sabbatical,

Sabbatical Contentment

About the time I started planning my sabbatical break, John Ortberg began his.  John and I have known each other for a few years and I serve on the Emerging Ministries board with his wife Nancy.  Their daughter and son-in-law, who traveled to Belize with me last August, suggested I contact John and ask for advice about how to “do” a sabbatical.   It was a good suggestion because it was a good fit:  neither John nor I had taken a sabbatical before and I’m about the same age as John (though he has more hair … but hey, he’s a …

Emerging Ministries, Goble Properties, PathLight, Random Thoughts, Sabbatical, Westmont,

The House of the Lord

My month long break begins today. Hallelujah!

For the last month and for the month to come, I’ve been working through prayers and readings in the book “Celtic Daily Prayer”. The Morning Prayer begins like this:

One thing I have asked of the Lord,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life;
to behold the beauty of the Lord
and to seek Him in His temple.

This comes from Psalm 27:4. I love this start because it expresses the foundation of this sabbatical month. Dwelling in the …

Family, Goble Properties, PathLight, Sabbatical, Uncategorized,

Last Day

Tomorrow I begin my October sabbatical. Or as my friend Ian calls it, my October Jubilee. I’m really looking forward to the partial “digital fast” of no email or voicemail (though I will still write on this blog). I’m also looking forward to unstructured days that allow time for thought, reflection, and prayer.

One of the goals of this break is to recalibrate. I’m not looking for a new job or new spiritual experience. It’s not a “halftime” event. But I do feel the need to stop, rest, create a bit of margin in my life, and spend time without …

Random Thoughts,

Sabbatical

This is an early announcement with a purpose.  For the first time in nearly 30-years of my career, I’m going to take an extended break from work.  During the month of October I’m shutting off the cell phone, disabling the email, and avoiding both Twitter and Facebook.  This is new for me; I’ve never taken such a long break and even the shorter ones included regular contact with work or ministry.  I’m told it will be good for me.  I hope so.

The first part of the time off will be spent in the orchard with D’Aun.  We’re planting another …