I’ve often heard people say that they are going on sabbatical. The vast majority of these people are employed by Christian denominations and organisations, so when they go on sabbatical someone else covers their duties, and their salary continues.
So what does sabbatical look like for me, an advisor to Christian led businesses and ministries, who has no one to cover my ‘duties’ and no salary?
It’s important to take some time off from leading others to focus on being a follower of Jesus. To be more grounded in God’s word, spend more time with Him, learn from your experiences and the experiences of others (particularly those who are further along than you), and rekindle why you became a leader in the first place. But don’t think that sabbatical has to equal quitting leadership altogether.
What would happen if we stopped thinking of sabbaticals as something “needed” or forcing them upon ourselves, and started seeing them as something intentional.
As I begin a period of ‘sabbatical’ today here are my thoughts. Sabbatical is intentionally:
Slowing down to allow extended time for rest and renewal.
Saying no to the the ‘urgent’ so that you can say yes to ‘the greater things’ that are yet to come.
Prioritising long term physical, emotional and spiritual health over good, but short term, results.
Making space to sit in the stillness of God’s presence, listening to His voice.
Being unavailable so that you can be more available to God’s higher calling.
Choosing to take time to re-fire so you can fulfil the call that God has placed on your life.
Perhaps some of these are things you need to consider doing.