My first pie

An important part of a sabbatical is discovering the passions you were created by God to have, and what to do with them. God designed us to BE not to DO. As I explore this, I am drawn to pie. I had never made one on my own, but recently I was inspired by a friend named Alyssa who made her first pie for me… and it was amazing. I said to myself – I must one day learn to make pie. So I did. This is my first pie.

It is an apple pie. Not the best pie ever, but quite good nonetheless. I’m just posting this to inspire you all to discover your passion, and step out in it. I’ll leave you with the words of the sage Jack Handey;

“When you die, if you get a choice between going to regular heaven or pie heaven, choose pie heaven. It might be a trick, but if it's not, mmmmmmm, boy.”

Attending your own funeral

So my former church (sounds weird to say) had a farewell gathering for Jaime and I on Saturday night. It was a wonderful time to say goodbye to everyone, and we really appreciated pastor John and the church blessing us like that. It felt a lot like going to your own funeral… you know; people saying all kinds of nice things about you from the front, or sharing special memories about how you had affected their life... a very strange experience.
I was touched by how so many people experienced God through Jaime and I. What a great thing to be used by God in someone’s life. He is so faithful in spite of my failures.
I remember thinking “be careful what you say, people (it seems) will remember!”

Have you ever finished reading an amazing book, and thought, “I wish it wasn’t over!” Well Jaime and I feel that way. But we are comforted by the knowledge that there is a second “book” in the series, and we can’t wait to begin reading, and continuing the adventure. This time in our life is over, and we feel some closure now. We know that some of these friendships we will keep for life. But we are beginning to pray and dream for what lies ahead. Pray with us, and for us. And stay tuned…

Creativity

During this time off I have discovered something interesting about my creative process. I have always been a creative personality with all the strengths and weaknesses that go along with the territory; daydreaming, doodling, tunnel vision, hobbies, and fantasies. Like anything creativity can be both a strength and a weakness.
Lately I have found that I have been at my most creative, and since I have the time, I decided to consider… why? What is so different now, that allows me to be this way? (and I am enjoying it). The biggest things that stick out to me are 1. Time, 2. Focus, and 3. Inspiration.
Lately I have had time to allow my projects to roll around in my imagination for days on end without much interruption. This allows me to visualize and imagine how I am going to do certain things and solve obstacles. Normally I can’t do this – I have demands on my time and attention that take me out of that place.
Focus – is what I call the ability to put most other things aside and let my passions run with my imagination. Normally I’m not a person ruled by his passions this way, but for right now I think it is a healthy thing for me. If my hobbies become and obsession – then we have a problem.

The word artist comes to mind. I imagine artists require inspiration – motivation. For me (and I guess I am considering myself an artist) I am presently inspired by Star Wars, specifically the image of the Jedi, and the lightsaber. This imagery motivates me to create.


Now the challenge for me is in the long term. How do I apply what I am learning so that I can bring my creative artist side to bear on my life and work, the ministry? For all you artists out there… create! It’s in you because it’s in the nature of your maker! And he equips/anoints artists! (Exodus 31: 1-11).

Rest

It has been over a month that I have been off work. But it has only been this last week that I have really begun to feel at rest. With all the details of taking a short notice sabbatical/stress leave, and then with it turning into resignation… Well life’s been it’s own kind of whirlwind lately.

But now, I am spending my time in my shop building lightsabers (go to the link to see them). I am feeling more creative and alive than I have in a long time! I’m enjoying my fencing classes with my wife and reading Star Wars adventures.















This time really is a blessing, but in order to accept it, I had to come to terms with God’s Grace in a new way.
I have had a hard time accepting this blessing from God because I know I don’t deserve it. I feel compelled to earn it, do my devotions, do something! But God had to come and tell me to let go and rest. It is a rare thing for me to advise anyone to take time off from their devotions, but that’s exactly what I had to do. And now, I realize that in the desert of this part of the journey, God has provided an oasis, where there is no stress, no worry for a time, all is provided for. Thank you Lord, you are so good to me.