In anticipation for my sabbatical my wife and I made all kinds of plans to truly enrich this time gifted to me (and my family). Now that I am a couple days into my sabbatical I see that my family has received more out of just slowing down and that time spent intentionally with one another is so good for our souls.
I began my time with a visit down to San Antonio area to visit both of my grandfather’s, they fortunately live close to one another. They were enthralled to spend time with my daughter, Allie and I thoroughly enjoyed time to sit, visit and let the day pass slowly. We also got to eat at some of our favorite places that have many fond memories entwined with good food. As they get older I can’t help but notice each conversation seeming deeper and I find myself eager to soak up these moments that truly are already proving this time to be a gift.
Once we arrived back home it was time to adjust to not having to go into work each morning, not a bad thing to have to “adjust” too! With a little girl who’s just over one, each morning is sweeter than the last. Before sabbatical a typical morning didn’t include much time with her or my wife but now we all enjoy coffee and breakfast together and there’s not a day I’ve taken this for granted. I’ve gifted my wife time alone during the day that she doesn’t normally get much of and made it a point to help around our house and invest in my family and the change of pace has brought me so much clarity and gratitude.
When explaining to others why I’m not at work this month and what plans we have for our time, I routinely hear people so surprised and intrigued. It continues to remind me of how important it is to love what you do and to find something that grows your mind spiritually as well as intellectually. This sabbatical carries so much weight in understanding how we can entwine our work with our spiritual walk and I believe this to be a struggle in our society today. Slowing down doesn’t always come easy for me but I see it everyday refining my ability to comprehend the good that comes from resetting and renewing your mind.
Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.”