I am back from Sabbatical, tanned, rested, and ready to rock! Well, not exactly, but certainly refreshed and ready to re-focus.

My study leave took me to places expected and unexpected. I immersed myself in a study of male spirituality, hung out with singer-songwriters exploring the creative process, and took lots of naps. (I’m a big fan of naps!)

The unexpected part of the sabbatical journey was being nurse and care giver to my wife, Gail. Gail went through a major surgery removing a benign tumor. The recovery process was the most challenging part, twenty two days of hospitalization and about the same time of home recuperation. Amazingly, this fit into my sabbatical time! A special friend reminded to have a breath prayer for each day, a great help.  Another friend reminded me to laugh about something each day; laughter is the best medicine.  And, I continued to read and think and process in the midst of it all.  I’m grateful to our leadership and the Congregational Formation team for this opportunity.

My spirituality was definitely challenged. My creativity was certainly put to the test. I learned a lot about myself in these days. I learned a lot about the providence of God in these days.  I learned a lot about friendship in these days.  Some of my gleanings will show up here in the coming days.

So, today I’m back at work. Sabbatical has ended, study leave is over…the End or just a new beginning?