Another green light

Another green light -- the elders of our church voted unanimously to approve the sabbatical plans. They had given informal support as long as eighteen months ago (June and August 2004), but now they have a specific plan that they could officially approve.

It has helped to have a team of folks to assist in the planning discussions. The Sabbatical Planning Team includes two neighboring Presbyterian pastors, two elders of our church, and our interim associate pastor. While "sabbatical" is a new concept for our congregation and presbytery, we have had the opportunity to grow into the idea and learn together.

And their advice is invaluable. Wonjae is completely supportive and encouraging, and invites me to trust that God will take good care of the congregation. Paul insists that I stay as long as I can in Scotland. Bruce highlights how this experience will be different from the academic sabbaticals he approved as the academic dean of a state university. Chuck pushes me to stay as disconnected from the church as possible, to maximize the time of rest. Jim suggests that maybe, just maybe, the sabbatical could produce a "product" which would be helpful to the wider church.

Tomorrow I'll fly down for a sabbatical training session in Louisville. The grant makers have required all the recipients to attend. We're getting some tips on making the sabbatical time as effective as possible. I'm interested in what they will have to say.

Meanwhile I already know that the toughest customer in this whole enterprise is going to be myself. It's difficult for me to chill and relax. Maybe I have issues about receiving. Gotta give, can't receive: the baggage of a first born overachiever. At one level, I'm tempted to live the eight weeks of sabbatical as I live every other week: as packed full as possible.

Hmm... What did that little cartoon character say? "We have met the enemy, and he is us."

Maybe what I need is not a list of tips, but for somebody to whack me over the head with a sledgehammer.