I officially started my sabbatical today (Monday), which felt much like an extended weekend as I enjoyed time with the kiddos playing outside, swimming, and going to their favorite pizza place for lunch, but not before making a trip to the walk-in clinic first thing this morning with two kiddos in tow. One with pink eye and the other with an issue she had to whisper to the doctor so no one else would hear. Where Malia is, drama and sheer cuteness are trailing close behind.
Tomorrow a new adventure awaits me. For years, my dear and precious friend, Coral Popowitz, Executive Director of Children’s Greif Connection, has been suggesting that I take myself to a ‘hermitage’ where I can get away from all the static and distractions of life and focus on just ME. While this sounded appealing, I’m not one to focus on me. A best friend recently reminded me that at times in your life, you need to be selfish in order to be selfless.
Right now, you’re thinking…a what, a hermitage, what is that? Yes, a hermitage – a place to go where you can become a hermit. A private and safe retreat center for rest and renewal! This will either sound very appealing to you, or not appealing in the least. It’s very appealing to me…not so much to my wife, hence the reason it has taken me years to jump on this opportunity.
I am anxiously awaiting to arrive at this quaint little cabin nestled in the woods of central Minnesota for a short season of silence, solitude, prayer, listening, and contemplation. No electricity…which means no phone, no tablet, no computer, and no TV. Just ME and GOD.
As I mentioned earlier, Coral has been suggesting I do this for years as she knows that I struggle balancing work with everything else in my life as work typically overpowers all things. Work is not only my job, but my hobby. The hardest word for me to say is the word ‘NO.’
My plate runeth over with all things imaginable. Work, children, family, children, work, volunteering, children, work, and did I mention, children?
At the end of 2016, I determined my theme for 2017 needed to be ‘Simplify.’ I desperately need to simplify my life so that I can refocus and hone in on what’s most important – my family. If I were to be graded at how well I’m doing at sticking to my theme so far this year, I’m afraid I’d receive a failing grade.
For those of you who know me well, know that I have a very high regard for one of the greatest leaders and pastors of modern day. Bill Hybels, senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago who recently wrote a book titled ‘Simplify – Ten Practices to Unclutter My Soul.’ I’m departing for my hermitage in the morning armed with my Bible, Hybels’ books Simplify and Holy Discontent and a whole lot of eagerness for silence and solitude.
Oh, the quietness.
Oh, the stillness.
Oh, the darkness.
Oh, the whispers I’m anticipating hearing from the Lord as I attempt to unclutter my soul and be reminded that God is God.
P.S. – A special thanks to my wonderful wife, for once again, holding together the Tunheim Zoo while I skip away for a few days.
– Nick