August 7th - Day 2 of Sabbatical

Well, here we go.  My first ever sabbatical.  I'm embarking on a journey of rest.    

I feel stirred and excited for what's ahead.  I'm anticipating He will surprise me with His affection, affirmation and kindnesses from many directions throughout this season of time...that He will refresh me with His very self.  He's already been extravagant in so many ways...by granting this time, providing places to stay and laying out a schedule and flow that I think will be super life-giving.  

Here's a bit about how this time will roll:

• Weeks 1-2 Disengagement & Reflection: reflective on the last decade of life/ministry... review & evaluate 
• Weeks 2-4 Creative Space: listening
• Weeks 5-6 Forward praying/dreaming/planning/thinking

Each day will generally be broken into a 3 part day:

• 1/3 extended time with the Lord
• 1/3 study
• 1/3 fun

I probably won't post every day, though I am planning to do some reflective writing as well as attempting to capture major themes of things that I'll be reading throughout the time.  We'll see what happens and what makes it to the blog! 

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I discovered a few things yesterday while spending time with Him that have confirmed His orchestration of all this.  Jehovah Sneaky is at it again.  (I love it when He does that!)  Here's a bit about what the Holy Spirit unveiled which has overwhelmed me with His sovereign tender care:

• August 6th - Curiosity Lands on Mars:  I love it that the first day of my sabbatical is the day that the NASA rover Curiosity landed on Mars!!  It's taken months to get there (8, I think) and it landed on the first day of my sabbatical to explore Mars for the next two years.  How cool is that?  So Curiosity is embarking on her journey of exploring Mars and I'm embarking on my journey of exploring what God's done, what He's doing and where He's taking me.  I'm curious! :)
• My 42nd birthday is SMACK in the middle of my sabbatical...to the day.  I'm in a sabbath year (Biblically they occur every 7 years - read about it, super cool...especially if we respond to His word!) and my sabbatical time encompasses my birthday evenly on both sides.  This feels really cool because who else could make that happen so precisely other than Him?!
• I've had the book Seeds of Contemplation Thomas Merton in my Amazon wish list for probably 2 years.  I finally got it right before sabbatical.  Little did I know that another book (The Gift of Being Yourself by David Benner) that I planned to read on sabbatical is full of references to Merton's book.  The overlap thematically is a bit overwhelming and awe-inspiring for this little soul.  

Bottom line, far beyond what I see and know and understand of Him, He sees me and knows me and is tenderly caring and providing for me.  He's lined up and prepared so many things outside of me to bless and strengthen me...to reveal His hand...He's surely doing the same within...drawing me deeper into His life and love.  He is always working His  goodness toward us...ever closing in on us to pour out His affection and love on us.  Amen.  Thank You, Father.