For the month of June, I was given a wonderful blessing, the gift of time off; a sabbatical. I have been involved in ministry since the infant months of my walk with the Lord 8 years ago. I have had time off such as holidays and days off (typically Saturday), but never an entire month. To begin, my family and I are grateful for this time together and I also wish to shed light on what a sabbatical is. Ministry brings very unique pressures and various seasons (some that are rather fruitful and others that are extremely humbling). A sabbatical is when you take a break for an extended period of time for the purpose of rest, communion with the Lord, and a sense of renewed strength. In short, you're not wasting time on a sabbatical.

"Rest time is not waste time. It is economy to gather fresh strength. It is wisdom to take occasional furlough. In the long run, we shall do more by sometimes doing less." - C.H. Spurgeon

Over the last 7 months, my family and I have had a long season; walking through the death of our son's best friend in the Fall, a pastor and beloved brother resigning from pastoral ministry, and an increase in responsibility and care. Now, even in the middle of all of this happening, we have seen God move in tremendous ways. For instance, in the tragedy that was Dylan's passing we saw his sister and her boyfriend accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior and his grandmother recommitting her life to Christ; everyone still attends our church today. Later and though it was an emotional time to see my friend resign, I saw my friend love his family in a way that he hadn't and rejoicing in the work that the Lord was doing. And finally, though responsibility had increased, the care for our people has become increasingly intentional (not that it wasn't before, rather we saw more care to our flock and saw needs being met). So, despite an emotional time, we have seen God at work in His people and building His church for His glory.

So, where has that left me and my family? Exhausted. My friendship with my wife is great and my relationship with my son is amazing- I love them both dearly. The time we're spending away is to enjoy one another, worship God together, and then spend some time in solitude- praying, crying, repenting, and then worshipping Him more. This is also a time for clarity especially as I pray continuously for the "joy of my salvation to be restored (Psalm 51:10)." This time is also an opportunity to read. A lot.

PRAYER

If you're reading this and would like to pray for us, then I would say that it is incredibly appreciated. First, we wish to thank our church family for allowing me and my family to have this time off; allowing me to grow in my relationship and worship of God so that I can first serve my family and then serve those I have been entrusted with. I wish to you ask you to pray for my family and their hearts; that they too would enjoy time away from the norm and experience God in their times of scripture and prayer.

And if you're thinking shouldn't you not be on your laptop? You're right and that's why this post was written and scheduled a few days ago! Thank you, technology.

BOOKS

There's a post coming out next week on everything that I'm reading with links provided. If you're a reader or simply looking for a good book, then you'll want to be on the lookout.

Friends and family, Thank you. We love you and thank you for your prayers!