It is hard to believe that my 12-week sabbatical is now history (click here to read some background to my sabbatical). I had a very enjoyable and refreshing time. I am truly grateful to God and our church for this season. I am feeling so much better and look forward to re-engaging with our church community and leadership team this week, as we continue to move forward into all that God has in store for us.
In the Old Testament period, God's purpose for the Sabbath was to help his people avoid making 'productivity' into an idol. It's a reminder, that while we rest, the universe still runs – and without our contribution! That's something I sure learned. Our church community continued to experience God and see the kingdom advance – without me. That's good news.
Right now it is autumn here in Melbourne and I love this season. Sure, it's a bit colder but the colour of the leaves on all of the trees is amazing. [You'll notice that my BLOG design has been changed to reflect this] In many cultures, autumn is also typically a time of harvest, fruitfulness and thanksgiving. May it be all of that for you.
In the next few days, I'll share more about my sabbatical – what I got up to, what God did, and what I learned. It's amazing what you see – about God, about yourself and about our world - when you slow down for an extended period of time.
I pray that you enjoy your week and that sometime today you are able to take a few minutes to heed the words of the Psalmist: "Be still and know that I am God (Ps.46:10)."
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
[Click here for Part 1 of my Sabbatical Reflections]
[Photo by Nicole Conner]