Day 30 – It’s Over!

Posted on January 21, 2017 by - Uncategorized

Ladies and Gentlemen – it’s hard to believe, but my sabbatical has come to an end.  I must admit, I really need another week; I haven’t finished everything I wanted to do.  But at the same time, I’m ready to get back to work.

For whatever reason, I spent my last day watching most of the Donald Trump inauguration events.  I’ve never watched an inauguration before; I’ve only watched news programs, after the fact, that just provided snip-its.  But today, I specifically watched the entire swearing in ceremony.  It was very interesting to me.  I was encouraged by the number of Christian references throughout the ceremony.  And I couldn’t believe the remarks/prayer by Samuel Rodriguez – he reinforced the theme of our end-of-year event and the basis of our Sabbath year.  He read from Matthew chapter 5 (New Living Translation):

God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.
God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
He blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
And God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.
For you are the light of the world — like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on its stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. [emphasis added]
I could not imagine a better way to end my sabbatical than to have these words reemphasized to me.  I pray that your sabbatical will be as meaningful as mine.  And as you go, please remember – You are the light of the world, let your light shine and shine brightly!  Let’s MAKE SABBATICALS GREAT AGAIN!
Blessings, Kris