Reading and Renewing

I am currently on a month long study leave. In the United Methodist Church, pastors are encouraged to take a week each year and a month each four years. After 28+ years, this is the first study leave I have taken.

It is in my nature to plan. I want structure, clear guidelines and obvious goals. When on vacation, I want to know when, where, and how long. Let's just say, flexibility and spontaneity are not my strong suits.

So, I chose NOT to structure this leave. I knew I wanted to read, to reflect and to rest. I knew I wanted to spend some time learning to use my "gadgets" better. I wanted some down time and some learning.

I have rested and for the first time in a long time, I don't wake up tired. I am enjoying reading. I have read or finished reading some amazing books. Some I had picked and put down because of lack of time, but not lack of interest. I have been journaling for the first time in years. I am scheduled for a social media class which I think will challenging and fascinating.

For renewal I have been using the books Guerrillas of Grace, by Ted Loder, The Illuminated Life, by Joan Chittister and A Guide to Prayer for all who Seek God, by Rueben Job.

What I have finished reading:

Saving Jesus from the the Church, by Robin Meyers.
Traveling with Pomegranates, by Sue Monk Kidd & Ann Kidd Monk
An Altar in this World, by Barbara Brown Taylor
The Starfish and The Spider, by Ori Brafman and Rod A. Beckstrom
take this bread, by Sara Miles

My favorites in order have been take this bread, Saving Jesus from the Church and An Altar in this World. I really appreciated The Starfish and the Spider for its insights into leadership and organizations.

Coming up:

Exclusion & Embrace by Miroslav Volf. Having started this book, I know it will take some deep digging, but I am truly enjoying it. Engage, by Brian Solis needs to be read by Wednesday before my class. Engage, like The Starfish and the Spider come out of the business world and look at leadership, customer service and how to be flexible in changing times.

So my reading continues and I am always,

Graced to Serve.

New Year

I hadn't realized it had been two months since I last blogged. I had it on my "to do" list, but obviously it was never at the top of the list. There were many times I thought, "I should reflect on this or that" but never did in writing.

January is often a time of renewing, reflecting, "resolving" and beginning again. For the first time in twenty-nine years of ministry I am taking a study leave. In the United Methodist Church, our "Discipline" allows and encourages pastors to take a month every four years. Mostly, we, as in clergy, do not take advantage of it.

It is a surprise to me, that I am. I find it very difficult to unplug from the church. I know I need to, but nevertheless, it is hard. In the depth of my soul I find I am hungry for some deep rest, renewal and reconnecting with the God who loves and calls me not only into ministry, but into relationship.

So, I have a stack of books to read, some "technical" learning so I can use my devices and technology more efficiently and time enough to absorb it. I have time enough to rest, to spend time in the presence of the Divine and to renew my spirit.

I am grateful for this time and will use this space to reflect on it in the coming days. With this gift of study/renewal leave, I am, as always

Graced to Serve.

Vacation

I am really not good at taking time off. Over the years, I have gotten very good at taking my "day" off, but really investing time in vacation, in sabbath is not my strong suit. But later this afternoon, after a Board of Directors meeting for Interfaith Ministries, my dear husband and I are heading out.

He encourages me to take time off. He encourages me to slow down. I am driven however. I grew up with the whole idea of time off was to get things done....around the yard, around the house, you know...idle hands and all. So even on my days off, I tend to "get things done".

What I miss, but my incessant need to be doing, is the chance to truly relax. I love to read, but take very little time to really enjoy reading. I love to do hand work, but haven't had a needle out for a long time. I love to work in clay, again, haven't take the time. I cook, which gives me some creative outlet, because it is relatively easy to justify...after all we have to eat!

So, for the first time in a long time my husband and I are heading out. Taking a road trip to spend time with my twin, with my brother and his wife and to visit a daughter and husband. We intend to play, to sleep, to visit and to hang loose.

So, I won't be posting for a few days. I will be attempting to focus my energy on relaxing and enjoying the people I love. I will re-embrace the sacred sabbath as a way of reconnecting and refilling myself with the Divine Presence. It will be a gift of grace, so that I remain;

Graced to Serve.