Themes of My Sabbatical

The Lily Foundation Clergy Renewal Grant that I applied for, and received, was based on the theme of, “What Makes Your Heart Sing.” In other words, what makes you come alive in order that you will return from your sabbatical renewed and refreshed. Below is a short summary of my proposal.

As I reflect on what makes my heart sing, my mind immediately goes to the classic line from Chariots of Fire, “When I run, I feel His pleasure.” Two elements of this quote speak to what makes my heart sing. First, the idea of activity and competition. For Eric Liddell, that was running. For me, it is exploring and adventure, whether going to new places and taking on new experiences or competing against myself and taking on new challenges. Exploring God’s creation and embracing new adventures energizes me and makes me feel alive. It brings me closer to the Lord, gives me joy, and fills my heart with gratitude and life.

Secondly, there is the idea of “feeling God’s pleasure.” Being close to God and sensing his presence in us, through us and around us. In this season of life, my soul longs to be closer to God and grow aware of his moment-by-moment presence. I long for the margin and opportunity to press in and seek a consistent real-time awareness of the Lord, much like Frank Laubach and Brother Lawrence, who found a breakthrough in walking with God, whether in solitude or activity. My heart and soul long for the opportunity for extended rest and adventure, in order to be present with God and seek Him in greater measure.

My plan to experience God in action and adventure includes three specific phases with periods of rest in between each. The first will be a 47-day trip to Europe where I will walk the 490-mile Camino de Santiago and then spend time at a monastery in Montserrat to process my journey. I will also make visits to other locations in Europe and see my son Trevor in Germany before returning home. The second section of my Sabbatical will be to hike and then whitewater raft through the Grand Canyon with my son, Timothy. The final stage of my Sabbatical will be to take a two-week cruise from Fiji to Sydney, Australia. This will include snorkeling and scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef.

Throughout the Sabbatical break I have a reading list of 15 books that I hope to complete. I also will have extended times of solitude, worship, and prayer. And I will be meeting with a Spiritual Director during and after my Sabbatical to process what the Lord is doing in my life during this time away. My hope is that by the end of the Sabbatical I will come back spiritually energized to lead Palm West with a renewed focus on the Lord, and a fresh vision for the future.