Sabbatical!

It's almost time. I've been given an incredible gift: a three-month sabbatical from my work at Central Lutheran. My last Sunday is this one, January 1. I return in time for Passion/Palm Sunday, April 1 (no fooling).

Though I know Sabbath is biblical (a commandment, even!) it goes against my Midwest farm work ethic. My great-grandfather had a saying, "Boys, while you're resting, why don't you chop some wood?" This sentiment prevailed in my growing up years.

Yet I feel a deep desire to change gears, to reflect and study, to slow down and to reconnect with my other vocations of wife, daughter, sister and friend. And so it is time.

Over the coming months I'll be posting about my adventures, thoughts and experiences on the sabbatical. My theme for the sabbatical is faith stories, faith in daily life and vocation. I want to learn more about the stories of the faithful men and women in my own family. I will talk with other pastors about how congregations can be places that encourage members in their vocations and seeing God in daily life.

I'll also do things that "make my heart sing," which was the theme of the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Grant, which Central was awarded (thanks be to God!) I'll travel to Hawaii for a yoga retreat with a beloved teacher, spend time hiking and playing in New Zealand with my husband and travel to Iowa to visit family and friends. I will also spend weekends cross-country skiing here in Alaska, reading, writing, praying, running and catching up on projects at home.

I'm thankful to the people of Central Lutheran who have supported me along the way and thankful to YOU who read this blog.