sabbatical reflections

               Said I would start to throw in a few reflections from the sabbatical processing so here goes. Divided reflections into four different categories so thought would do a bit from each over the next few days. Love ya to see a bit of where my heart and walk are at these days.

 

    Started with my own personal walk with God, which for me is the single most important relationship in my life. I figure that if this is not right then nothing really is. Here are a few of the intentions out of a lot of waiting on God, prayer and reflection.

 

    Long to experience a deeper intimacy with God. Think the way to do that is to prioritise spiritual disciplines. Honestly think these holy habits are the key to that intimacy with God. In fact, think we should get into them more as a church, might be part of Gods call to us over these days. Am keeping up with my daily journal, really in an attempt to lead a more examined life.

 

    God has really been challenging me about humility now for a number of months. A recognition that he is Lord of my life and of the church and that all the glory for who I am or what we are is all due to him. We must never become too full of ourselves. It is always all about him. This is the character trait God has been highlighting most to me. Over the sabbatical time I was very privileged to receive prayer ministry fairly regularly and God again and again reminded me of my need to depend on him completely. That in itself was humbling.

 

    I listened to a set of CDs by Gordon McDonald on The Resilient Life in which he talked about the different aspects of life over which some sort of intentional focus and direction is necessary. I am trying to work at these now in little ways. Those he named are; the physical, intellectual, emotional, relational, the ego, skills and competency, what he calls convictability ( Can I be rebuked?), and financial. Worth trying to do something in each of those areas I think.

 

   I have also decided to have regular quiet days to give me space to think, reflect and pray, the first one scheduled for mid October.

 

  Just a few things for starters, to let you know what I am trying to work on in my own life. Am grateful to God for his patience with and commitment to me.

 

 His is the glory.