As I prepare to rejoin the ranks back in the office tomorrow I reflect on what the past 30 days have meant to me, and some of the words that have helped me cope with, understand, and enjoy the experience. Some words are mine from a journal I kept; other words are not my own.
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I hiked into and out of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison with a 70 lb. belly boat on my back and an 8’6″ fly rod in one hand. It was thoroughly exhausting, but the solitude of the canyon and the emerald green water from which the rocks steeply rose was a sight to behold. It was here that I had one of the most powerful moments of clarity in my entire sabbatical experience; a true gift from a loving Father.
“Wisdom placed her hand on my feverish forehead and said, ‘Advance and never halt, for advancing is perfection. Advance and do not fear the thorns in the path, for they draw only corrupt blood.'”
– Khalil Gibrar
Midnight, May, Colorado, and 9,000+ feet of altitude make for mighty cold toes. Despite FOUR pairs of socks.
“Your attitude of mind covers your home.”
– Charles Stanley
I had the opportunity to serve Abilene through two amazing organizations – Palette of Purpose and Freedom Reins Ranch. It was incredibly rewarding.
“Something within fishermen tries to make fishing into a world perfect and apart – I don’t know what it is or where, because sometimes it is in my arms and sometimes it is in my throat and sometimes nowhere in particular except somewhere deep. Many of us probably would be better fishermen if we did not spend so much time watching and waiting for the world to become perfect.”
– Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It
I’ve put limitations on a limitless savior for far too long, and I’m beginning to fully embrace a Jesus who desperately wants a relationship with me. I want it, too.
“Setting eternity in our hearts was cunning, so that every last one of us would be haunted all our days with unmet longings that would cause us to seek the only Fountain that can quench our thirst.”
– John Eldredge, Beautiful Outlaw
“You learn a great deal about the true nature of a person in the way they love, why they love, and in what they love.”
– John Eldredge, Beautiful Outlaw
I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend this time with my family, my children, and some friends that I had fallen out of touch with. Each person has spoken into my life, often at a time I desperately needed their words and encouragement. To say I’m grateful to them, and to FD for the opportunity and time to experience a sabbatical, would be an understatement.
“Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world’s great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters.”
– Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It
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