The Sabbatical Regimen

Regimen: A regulated system, as of diet, therapy, or exercise, intended to promote health or achieve another beneficial effect.

I view this sabbatical as a time to live a "regulated system" of spiritual formation. I trust that God is active in a positive, creative fashion that will (of course!) achieve a beneficial effect. Along with the joy of receiving a prolonged rest from ordinary ministry, I have accepted the responsibility of taking a prolonged look at God's guidance and direction for my life and vocation.

I confess to my sabbatical companions (you must be one of them if you have accessed this portion of the blog) that it has been a significant discipline to maintain a sabbatical regimen during these holy days of Christmas.

Since I am blessed with an energetic circle of family and friends, there have been many activities that have been joyful and wonder-filled aspects of these days. There has been much "fun" to be had!!!! It has been merry, and joyous and delightful in many ways. My home has been open to an abundance of food and fellowship. I have seen many glimmerings of God's presence in the warmth of people and places I have visited.

Now I bask in the ripples of all of those events. And, to be totally candid... I return gratefully to the more simple and calm regimen of sabbatical.