Sabbatical – A Time of Rest – One Day at a Time
“Sabbatical or a sabbatical (from Latin sabbaticus, from Greek sabbatikos, from Hebrew shabbat, i.e., Sabbath, literally a “ceasing”) is a rest from work, or a break, often lasting from two months to a year. The concept of sabbatical has a source in shmita, described several places in the Bible (Leviticus 25, for example, where there is a commandment to desist from working the fields in the seventh year). In the strict sense, therefore, a sabbatical lasts a year.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabbatical)
“Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.” Mark 6:31 (NLV)
After several months of a “sabbatical” from blogging, I am officially back! At least I am trying to get back to the “swing” of things.
The sabbatical was greatly needed and appreciated. I desperately needed the time to prepare for gastric bypass surgery in June as well as to rest and heal after surgery.
When I began blogging in 2008 I was in a different place in my life. Literally – we were still living in Phoenix Arizona and Jim was working two jobs – as pastor and a history teacher at a public school. But even more so in regards to my spiritual health, mental health and physical health I was and continue to go through some major changes in my life. Little did I know 5 years ago what God has been preparing me physically, mentally and spiritually.
So much has happened in the past 5 years. To name a few: We have moved from Phoenix Arizona to Eastern Pennsylvania (July 2009); Jim left the pastorate to teach at a Christian school (lowering our income by 2/3); Jim’s physical health decline – (I will blog shortly concerning his current condition); health changes and concerns in regards to our grandson (19 years old in October); church fellowship changes and still seeking His will; currently Jim is the interim headmaster of the Christian School; and– positive changes in regards to my health and daily life.
So as I come back from my 3 ½ month sabbatical from blogging, I am trying to decide where my heart is in regards to blogging. What do I blog about? Where is my heart right now? What lessons am I to glean from these past 5 years – especially the past 6 months.
My health and body continues to change each month. Since January 1st I have lost a total of 100 lbs. as I continue to work on loosing another 150 lbs. Most of all I have increased my daily activity – I have been able to do most of the household chores and even began driving once again! Unfortunately my knees still need to be repaired and fibromyalgia and arthritis are no respecter of persons – meaning it does not matter what size you are – those chronic health illnesses can “attack” anyone – anytime.
Yes, our lives have changed immensely these past 5 years, but all the while God has been and continues to prepare us for what is ahead. Some of what is before us – especially in regards to Jim, is very scary. But other areas of our lives I see God working miracles.
I am looking forward to what the Lord has in store for us these next few months and coming year. I know that there are areas that will be challenging to say the least, but in the end God’s will be done.
We truly appreciate your continued prayers as Jim and I live your lives one day at a time cherishing each day our Lord and Savior blesses us with together.
Welcome back, Michele.
I am thankful to read that your surgery was successful. Yes, we have to trust God to see us through the hard spots in life.
Love and hugs to you my friend.