First of All, I was completely humbled at the possibility of a sabbatical, and then the process! To think that so many saints are lifting you up in prayer while on sabbatical! Amazing!
I had a private send-off and prayer from Ray Thompson, thank you Ray! His prayer was powerful and humbling and really set the tone for my start. He prayed that Jesus would become greater and that Steve would become less. That is my heart’s desire as a Christian…………now live up to it Steve and get out of God’s way!
So, God has told me to just serve. Serve like crazy for the next 30 days. Serve my wife, serve my family, serve my church, serve my community. 1) My wife, we sat down and made a wish list of things she would like done around the house. Her list, not mine. 2) my family, my parents need a portion of their fence replaced. What man doesn’t love to swing a hammer! 3) my church, we have some needs at my local church campus and I will be able to help out with those where i usually cannot. 4) my community, the day before sabbatical start I met with a couple who does ministry at local retirement homes. They visit with residents and help the staff with any tasks or chores needed. They mentioned that more men are needed as most of the male residents do no open up to female guests. What an amazing thing to be able to show this generation they are valued, not forgotten, and serve them with whatever need they may have. OK,, who is really getting blessed here?
Finally, thanks to the Armor of God coin (Ephesians 6) I was given by Funeral Directors Life entering into sabbatical, it is a tangible reminder to “put on the WHOLE armor of God.” I am focusing on a different part of this verse every few days. This week was the Helmet of Salvation. What a great opportunity to renew my walk with Jesus, focus on the fact that salvation is secured not by anything I can do, but what Jesus has already done! Thank you Lord and guard my mind against the enemy trying to weaken that assurance.
Thank you again to my awesome company and extraordinary leadership for allowing yourselves to be counter-cultural and having sabbaticals! Can’t wait until my next post.