A Child’s perspective on my sabbatical
16. May, 2010 
7 Comments
So, I’m beginning my sabbatical in about three hours. It’s a strange thing – it really is – to be released and invited to ‘stop’ when you’re used to a rhythm that requires you to keep producing. PBC was incredibly supportive this morning and lots of people have said some very kind things. As for my preaching this morning, I tried my best to give us a basic theology of children that will fuel a re-commitment churchwide to Promiseland, without using ‘guilt’. I’m not sure I managed it – it’s really hard to highlight a family need without the guilt thing rearing its ugly head in our hearts. What’s the difference between conviction and unhelpful guilt I wonder? I also forgot to pray for the great Christian schoolteachers that we have in our church who work with children day in and day out. God smiles on your service!
I got home and spoke to my daughter, about the fact this morning was the last time we’ll be at PBC for a couple of months. She looked bright eyed and excited before saying, ‘Great – we’re never going to church again. Great!’ When we replied, ‘Not quite darling, we’ll be visiting other churches,’ she said with a smile, ‘Great – we’ll go to other churches!’ I think that’s the definition of being easily pleased, and kind of sums up how I’m feeling as I recover from my burnout. If I never went to ‘big’ church again, and instead hung out with a few friends for prayer and the Christian walk, I feel like part of me would be ok with that. But I also know that there is a huge part of me – if it can be renewed and refreshed – that longs to learn a rhythm of living that helps me to be fully alive in the midst of leading a large church with all its potential, joys and sadness that it involves. God knows I need Him to replenish me and help me to recapture that first love for Him, as well as for his Body.
I aim to record lots of my sabbatical journey on here, and I hope you’ll consider staying for the ride. Right, now to finish all my e-mails, tidy the office, write a few letters and close the door…
Will be thinking of you Wayne, and praying that all goes well for you during this time. Just let Him guide and speak into your life, so that you are prepared for the next stage of this exciting journey.
With love and blessings
Celia
Thanks Celia. It’s hard to believe it’s actually here. I’m off to the New Wine Leadership conference tomorrow with some of the St. Matt’s team which will be great – looking forward to the ministry times….
Every blessing to you,
Wayne
Hi Wayne
Firstly I’d like to thank you for avoiding the guilt trip about Promiseland on Sunday. While we needed reminding about our corporate responsibility for the kids work, I’d much rather people serve in church life because they are positively called to it than feeling they have a duty to. Although complacency is a very destructive force, guilt can be as well and I think you got the balance right.
So, as you spend the next three months doing different stuff, I pray that God will bless, refresh, encourage and envision you. Enjoy!
Paul
Thanks Paul for all the encouragements!
hey Wayne, how is it going…? make sure you drink plenty of water…
)
did you consider to come here for a week or so, for a “real” holiday… out of reach….!!
))
Hi Werner and Hennie,
Thank you so much for the book. I was so surprised and very touched by your generosity. It’s lovely to feel that friends are supporting me in this sabbatical and are, in a special way, part of it.
Well… I’m not sure Jem would be thrilled with me heading overseas without her and the girls. We’re often separated because of ‘work’ – but I will ask!
I’ll be standing in the river as much as possible and drinking as much water as possible…!