The Precious Gift of Time

Yesterday was a holiday, so that makes today the first official day of my sabbatical. And one of the things I've been reflecting on is the precious gift of time. Sabbatical is about time--time set aside for rest and renewal. I know that three months seems like a long time, and I also know that the time will pass quickly. Some of those I know who are teachers, with summers off, remind me of that! And, while I have about 1/2 my time planned with travel and other intentional activities, I pray that I will make good, productive use of the time that is not scheduled.

Now, I know myself. I know that I can waste time--not in a way that provides rest and renewal, but in ways that are mindless. So, as I enter this time, with gratitude to Holy Shepherd for making it possible, I want to be mindful of the admonition in Ephesians 5:15-16a (NRSV): "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time..."

I want to allow myself some of that "mindless" time, but also use my unscheduled time wisely: to read, reflect, and keep up with my Spanish studies. So this is my prayer today: "Gracious heavenly Father, thank you for this gift of time for rest and renewal. Thank you for a faith community, Holy Shepherd, which has granted me this time apart. Now, Father, grant me your wisdom, so that I can make the most of this time. Amen."