It’s officially April 2021…that means that the next time we see March on the calendar, it will be time to head to Springer, Georgia! That’s surreal to think about.
Matthew had his official meeting with his church council and they voted to allow him to take a 5 month Sabbatical from March-August 2022. That was a HUGE hurtle to clear. He has an incredible Sabbatical Team who support him 100%. A few of them attended the meeting as a support system, ready to jump in and help the council understand why this sabbatical proposal is so important for Matthew, and for our family.
Matthew is also in the process of applying for an important grant that would help our family, and his church, afford the Sabbatical. The grant of $50,000 would fund our trip, and help fund supply preaching, pastoral care, staff support, and program assistance for his church. We won’t find out until August if we will receive the grant. There is only a 25% chance that he will be a grant recipient, but Matthew’s proposal is heartfelt, sincere, and moving. I am praying that they see this as a worthy project for our family and his church.
The central focus of Matthew’s grant proposal is incorporating the Practice of Examen into his sabbatical. This ancient practice comes from St. Ignatius and has been practiced by Christians for centuries.
There are 5 parts of the Practice of Examen:
1. Become aware of God’s presence.2. Review the day with gratitude.3. Pay attention to your emotions.4. Choose one feature from the day and pray about it.5. Look forward to tomorrow.
-a free vacation-an undeserved period of paid time-off-a reason to leave your job and responsibilities behind for others to pick up-a signal that you want to leave your job
-a period of rest, renewal, and rejuvenation in the midst of a call-a time away to refocus on what is important to the person-an opportunity to reflect on what has happened and to be refreshed for what ministry is possible upon return-a gift to the individual, and their family
-a way for a church to support the mental, physical, psychological, spiritual, and emotional health of their pastor
Of course Sabbaticals are not just for pastors. Professors and other professionals are offered sabbaticals in their professions.