Author: Sonia DeLeon

Tomorrow, I am blessed to get back to the office! I am ready, I missed my friends and work.   I am so grateful to Kris and our Company for the gift of Sabbatical.  It has been nice to take a step back, relax and reset.  These 30 days of Sabbatical our Company has provided me has encouraged and strengthened my relationship with God, family and others.  The blessing to help care for my new grand baby and daughter, soon after her giving birth, is something we will always cherish. Also, spending time with my grandchildren, how I will miss Bible stories at bedtime with them.  My son called me and said that he was very thankful for the Sabbatical  time we had together.  He said that it has made a big difference in our relationship and also in his life and future.  For the better!  Yes, he said that : )

Thank you to everyone who has been covering for me at work. I know you have done a great job! I know this because we are A Great Place to Work with Awesome, Talented People!  I got my gym bag ready and clothes laid out for tomorrow, feels like the 1st day of school!

Today, has been so relaxing. I have enjoyed the rain. It gives me such sense of renewal. I sat outside on the porch taking it all in. I had the opportunity to take a few trips.  I like to drive. I think it is very calming to take a drive and enjoy the beauty around us. Truly, this time of year is pretty, different colors of green flourishing. Makes me happy! I enjoyed visiting with friends and catching up with all that is going on in their lives.

I am really going to miss my Crossfit class.  I have enjoyed working out with the team at Black & Gold Fitness, in Andrews. Funny, how quickly a group of people can connect when they have a common goal and support one another! I am excited for Spin on Wednesday at DIG Wellness Center!!

We had a Spaghetti Dinner for the youth. It has been fun getting to know them and sharing this time with them. I know these are such difficult times for young people. You just want to do more. I asked my son how he does not get discouraged with some of the issues they face. Abel, just smiled and said “Mom my calling is to tell them about Jesus, He takes it from there.”

I am just about finished with the book “The Most Excellent Way to Lead” by Perry Noble. It has been a great read.  I know that living and leading by love has power to build relationships, promote understanding and ushers in wisdom.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps not record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Truth, though we do not always walk in it.  In my study of James, he speaks to walking it out, being doers of the word not just hearers. The following verse really spoke to me.

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17  

Would you agree that we could all do a little better at showing love for one another in all areas of our life? I believe that leading by love is the most excellent way to lead. This is a must read, get the book!

I will leave you with this picture I have hanging on the wall at the office.  It reminds me of our many blessings : )

My second week of Sabbatical has been great!  My daughter Ezme and baby are doing good! I have enjoyed the freedom of time with my children and grandchildren.   I have also enjoyed spending time with the youth at Bethel Community Church.

My Crossfit class is going okay.  I say ok in that I have had a week of true testing and soreness (the inability to sit, stand or walk without carefully contemplating each move).  Oh, what have I got myself in to?  Well, yes that is a bit dramatic but it has been a challenge.  What I like the most is of course that I am working out with my son, that the class is a challenge and different from what I  am used to.   Somewhat humbling to say the least. ( I miss my spin class, I miss my workout buddies at FD!)  Carrie, our Crossfit trainer is very encouraging.  She says that I am doing good she likes the energy I bring to the group.  This last week she kept talking about patience.  I get frustrated when I do not quickly catch on to the proper form for executing the lifting of weight (many times my own).  Patience, Sonia!  Now how can someone who has just met me see so clearly one of my greatest weakness?  Please do not all answer at once!

Early in this second week of sabbatical I knew that my self  was getting in the way of “rest & renewal”.  I had my week of rest and now it was time to get things done!  You know….. the things that need to get done, those things! 

So, knowing that my way of thinking was getting in the way,  I did what I always do, I turned to study of the Word.  I also, started reading “The Most Excellent Way to Lead ” by Perry Noble.   You need to read this book if you have not already!  It explains how the principles from 1 Corinthians 13 can help you become a better leader in all aspects of your life.  Leadership by love for one another.  As I am reading, I am reminded of all the great mentors in my life, I am thinking of the good and not so good experiences in my leadership journey.   I feel blessed for where I am weak, HE is strong.

Chapter 2: Patient- Love is patient 1 Corinthians 13:4

Patience isn’t something most of us are born with, we don’t become patient when things are easy; we tend to learn patience through storms in our life.  He speaks to being patient with process and people.  Patiently embrace the process, and the process will put you in a position to succeed.  I know this to be true in that I have experienced it time and time again.

So, I pulled it all together and continue to be purposeful in being patient and present in my life and for others!

I enjoyed Wednesday night with the youth.  We all have dinner together, then go into praise & worship, teaching and generally small groups however this time they decided instead of small groups they would play basketball and that they did!  I really enjoy Praise & Worship!  It is powerful to hear the voices of the young men and women praising Jesus!

I had the opportunity to visit with a few of my friends from work.  So, odd to describe them as such in that they are not just friends at work.  The people you work with are the people that share your story.  You know?  I am quite sure I was more excited about seeing them than they me!!  Yes, I miss my work and the people I work with!  I am blessed : )

I will say goodbye for now in that Xxoie, my granddaughter has been patiently waiting to go to the park!  So, off we go.