Since my last update, I knocked out a few more projects at home. Working on projects around the house, yard, and garage has always been a form of relaxation for me. There’s something about puttering around on a project with my hands that frees my mind. However, thank goodness I’m not returning to work as a hand model as these projects left my hands full of nicks, scratches, and spots that won’t come clean!
Today I brought a piece of metal garden art over to Sonny Jones Welding to have a few pieces tacked back on. The owner, Sonny, has spent the past 52 years providing welding services to the people of the Big Country. He offered me an orange and some grapes that he’d picked up on the way to the shop. He was eager to show me around his shop and show me a couple of projects he was working on. I obliged. He seemed a bit lonely as he mentioned his son who had been killed. We had a nice visit. He struck me as a person with a kind soul. As a bonus, the place smelled EXACTLY like my grandfather’s shop that I used to hang out in as a child– a fresh bouquet of oil, grease and rusty iron with a hint of smokey exhaust to boot. Loved it!
Moments like this are possible because we corporately and personally trust the Lord to provide during our sabbaticals. Had it been a typical week, I probably would have been too rushed to take the time to listen and visit. That would have been a shame.
Previously I shared how this time has positively impacted my relationship with my youngest son, Brendan. Here’s more evidence: I asked him to help me clean the garage this weekend– a two day, messy project– and he said, “Sure! Sounds like fun!” My sabbatical almost ended right there with a heart attack.
On Friday, Kirsten and I attended the last Wylie boys basketball game of the season. Kirsten had been volunteering all season by helping the moms make motivational posters for the locker room. It’s a nice outlet for her creative needs. On Saturday, we, plus Brendan, had dinner at Ryan and Shelly’s house. We had a super enjoyable visit. Yesterday, I ran some used sporting equipment over to AYSA, and some unused building materials over to Habitat for Humanity. (Almost bought an used loom for my wife while I was there… but the box of twisted wires and unlabeled parts next to the loom scared me off.)
One of the best parts of both of my sabbatical experiences was watching the expression on peoples’ faces when they ask about my day and I explain how I’m on a 30 day sabbatical provided by my employer. Never had a dull conversation after opening that door– whether it be with the guy who made a sandwich for me at Jimmy John’s, or the gal who sold two Hardin-Simmons NCAA Div. III play off tickets to me, or the lady who cut my hair at SportClips. Priceless!
On one hand, I’m really ready to come back to work! It was a bit challenging hitting the pause button on a couple of projects. But I made it! And frankly, I miss being around the people at the office! This time of reflection has been great. I felt like I was perpetually behind over the past few years and it was tough to find the time and energy to think and process. I’m hopeful I’ll be able to continue that feeling until at least Friday!
On the other hand, it’s been a wonderful 3o days! My devotional time was meaningful. My relationship building time with my family was awesome. A laundry list of household projects got knocked out. I feel fit and rested. And a big “Thank You” to all who took care of things while I was out!