This question is relevant to me right now as I have concluded that the time is right for me to take a bit of a "sabbath" break from my pastoral role.  But I think the question is relevant for all of us to consider as we attempt to maintain a balance in our lives between work and rest.

            Part of me almost feels guilty (I said almost) for even feeling a need for and requesting a sabbatical. I know from my years in the construction work force, and my observations of other professional roles that sabbaticals are not a common part of most job descriptions. (Though I don't think that necessarily means they shouldn't be.) So I know that many of you may never have the gift of such an experience, and that gives me pause as I consider the felt need for my own. But I do think it is an important component of a job that not only has physical and emotional demands, but can also drain one's spiritual reserves if a careful balance of intake/outlay is not maintained.

            So why do I need a sabbatical, you may ask. Am I sick and tired? Am I overwhelmed?  Well, not yet on both questions, but warning signs of both are beginning to crop up in my life, and I want to tend to some of the stressors before they lead to premature burnout. I desire with all my heart to be able to minister here at Marion in healthy ways for years to come, and I have come to understand that a balanced daily rhythm is critical to maintaining my own spiritual strength as well as being able to minister effectively to those with whom I work.

            Sabbath, as a concept and rule, is important not only for pastors, but for all of us to incorporate in some form or fashion in our lives. For a long time I've felt that any committed church member that is giving of themselves in heavy ways to a congregation for an extended period of time should receive a "sabbatical" at certain intervals to keep themselves fresh and renewed. Imagine the value if we'd gift the busiest members of our church with an intentional sabbatical from time to time. What if we'd tell them that they are free of all church responsibilities for the next three months, and they should take the opportunity over that time to visit other churches and see how God is working in other settings, in order to refresh their spirits and rekindle their imaginations? Think with me, if you are one of those busy persons, as to how that would make you feel. Wouldn't you be grateful not only for the break, but also the recognition that you have been working hard and that we feel the responsibility as your brothers and sisters to share your load for a while? Wouldn't you feel increased joy in your role and commitment to your church family? I think you would.

            Sabbath is a biblical concept, originating in the Old Testament, seen in the Ten Commandments given to Moses, and again renewed by the writer of Hebrews in the New Testament. Hebrews 4:9-11 reads:

"9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience."

            Hmm... interesting thought. Is it possible for us to work our way right into disobedience? I believe it is. We were created as human beings, not human doings. We somehow though, only seem to get our value from how good we are at doing rather than being. Yes God has designed us to live with purpose and a desire to be productive, but God also created us with a need for Sabbath rest in order to achieve that purpose.

            As exhibited in Jesus' interactions with the Pharisees, we see it is possible to err in either direction on the idea of Sabbath. The Pharisees tried to enforce the idea of Sabbath in a way that robbed it of its purpose. Jesus had to tell them "The Sabbath was made for people, not people for the Sabbath..." when he was questioned about his and his disciples' "unlawful" actions on the Sabbath.

            Balance, balance, balance. That is the key. I appreciate those who saw it important to write in the provision for sabbatical into my Covenant of Understanding when I was hired, and I deeply appreciate those willing to pick up various aspects of my role during my Sabbath. I also challenge us to think of new ways to give sabbaticals to one another to enable whole-hearted and healthy patterns of service to the church.

             May we balance our work with rest, and our rest with work, and may Christ's church be blessed with healthy members who know how to "be" with one another.

Pastor Carl