Over the past three weeks, many people have asked me some version of this question: what is it like to be back? Four months away on sabbatical leave is both a long time and the proverbial blink of an eye. Either way, there are aspects of sabbatical that are unique. The time spent absent from the regular rhythms of work is longer than a vacation, and the lack of contact with colleagues more absolute.
This was true for me, at least. And, I now know, invaluable. As I said on my first Sunday back in church, sabbatical leave of any duration is an extraordinary privilege. In a more just and equitable world, every working person would have the opportunity. And part of the strength woven through the experience of leaving our “regular life” is a deeper understanding of our commitment to that life.
Space can be clarifying. Time can offer insights perceived more deeply. Just to be clear, while time and space are part of the definition of sabbatical, each of us can choose to create areas in our lives for both at any time. Prayer. Meditation. Contemplative walking. Silence—or noise that is different from the regular noise of our days! There are many ways we can change things up so that our perspective shifts, too.
Our worship and the community that forms around it can be part of that process. The picture at the top of this written meditation is taped to the door that leads from the Mission House into the nave of the church. It made me laugh. I appreciated it, too. And the response to the question at the top? It’s really good to be back.
