I landed back in the office a couple of weeks ago and in some ways, it feels like I haven’t left! To mark the occasion, I made the staff team a snazzy presentation of my time on sabbatical sharing photos and memories. Although unable to share that with you all, I will share some things I have learned, benefitted from and grown in over the fourteen weeks I was away from my role here.
Jason and Bev, our wonderful founding pastors, have an interest in the Enneagram (it’s more than a personality test!) and how who we are, how we are built and other bits of our character are reflected in our journey with Jesus. I am privileged in that I have had time to explore the type of person I am and how this intermingles in my daily work as a pastor, but I hadn’t taken time to consider how this also impacts me in my rest.
I typically thrive on action, am highly efficient and value doing things well. My sabbatical (and time with my Spiritual Director) has allowed me the space to explore what resting well looks like for me. How, as a more introverted person, spending time just with myself is refreshing to my soul. It’s not necessarily productive, nor efficient in the immediate sense, but it fills the well within my soul. Having the opportunity to potter at home, plug into my headphones at the gym and take time on public transport gazing out of the window refreshed something in me which I didn’t realise needed hydrating.
Spending time with my Bible, re-reading the same passages has added to that flow of water. Musing on a verse or two for a whole week, allowing my thoughts to escape to places with Jesus that in the noise of normality would not have been possible, has allowed my heart and soul to take a significant pause. Psalm 19:7-10 has been one of the passages I have found new depths in each time I visited.
The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.
They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.
Even now, I read these words and am struck by their magnitude. I am vastly aware that it is a huge privilege to have had fourteen weeks to change my rhythm and have the opportunity to be spontaneous, but even in this next season I am going to focus on revisiting passages again and again. Lectio Divina is a great way to do this with structure, but as someone who thrives on structure, I’m going to try and focus on going with the flow a little more when reading and digesting scripture. Using passages like this as a springboard for creativity with the Lord. Having no agenda, other than to hear His words.
Alongside time with Jesus, studying, coffees with friends and their beautiful babies, holidays, the gym and much more, I’ve also visited other churches to see what church looks like to other communities. I have loved seeing the Vineyard expression in other boroughs, experiencing new ways of worshipping and encountering the Holy Spirit with strangers. Along with very practical ideas that I can bring back with me from these Sundays, in me has been an affirmation of the beauty and necessity of the local church. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing and experiencing something new but came away each Sunday with a greater appreciation and love for the group of people who make up Sutton Vineyard. I love the journey we have been on together, the new things and the things of the past. I am privileged to have been invited on journeys with old friends and new. I am proud of how we come together for weddings and funerals, for parties and for picnics. I am especially in awe of our wonderful staff team and leaders for how they love Jesus and love people.
The Lord is doing something very special in our church and I am privileged to be a part of it with you all. The last seven years have been a wonderful journey and I am refreshed, renewed and expectant for the next seven to come as a family and community at Sutton Vineyard.
Do come and speak to me to learn more about the Enneagram or about Spiritual Direction - I’d love to chat.
