blog first published on May 18, 2016. It was published prior to my departure for my Sabbatical Pilgrimage. Thought it would be an appropriate one to share as I was away on my Pilgrimage to Tanzania. - Walt
Recently I got new glasses. I had worn specks before but somehow my eyes got stronger and didn't need assistance. About four months ago, however, the clock in the back of the sanctuary started to become blurry. When it reached the point of not being able to see how long I was preaching I thought it was time to get my eyes checked out. I work hard not to be one of 'those preachers' who go on and on. I'm of the homiletic opinion that more is less and that if you can't proclaim what you need to in ten minutes than you have more work to do to refine the message. Back to my eyesight.... when I couldn't read the clock it was clear that my need for glasses had returned.
It is amazing what the new lenses have done for me. Beyond cleaning up the blurry time clock, they have sharpened the edges around things in the distance. Greater definition around far objects has been good for driving. It has also allowed me to notice things that sort of faded into the background. This has brought both awareness of and appreciation for my surroundings.
From time to time, it is good for us to consider the lenses through which we view the world and God. In the day to day bustle of life, our senses can be dulled and blurred by a variety of things. We lose focus, awareness, and appreciation. For me, it is usually a gradual thing. Vision worsens sometimes without our being able to perceive it at first. I only realize that I'm not seeing as well as I should when I can't read the sign. Then a 'crises' occurs. What to do? Get new lenses!
Vision and spirituality are not a one time fit it and then don't worry about it. It just doesn't work like that. Both vision and spirituality are just too relational to be found, fixed, and done. As the world and our lives are in a constant state of change, so too is our need for corrective vision. In the ancient Hebrew imagination, which can be found throughout scripture, the concept of Sabbath is embraced. This is a regular time of stopping and refreshing and refocusing. In our 24/7 news cycle and electronic connected-ness it might seem outdated, unrealistic, or unattainable. To set aside a time each week to stop and focus on our essential relationships with God, others, and all creation is a 'vision check'. Without regular and periodic checks, our vision is bound to get worse.
Observing a Sabbath time - to stop, refocus on God - is critical to reclaiming a lifestyle that God intended for us all to live. We are invited weekly to rest and renew - it is a gift that was given in the Bible even to the slaves, outsiders, and the land. When we stop, we find that we are invited to make adjustments (repent - by turning towards God's ways) for the next stage/week. Weekly worship is not so much an obligation as it is an invitation and a Sabbath gift which we can all receive. Setting aside time for God and for Christian community is an important step on the ongoing path of spiritual renewal.
Ideas of Sabbath are certainly ingrained in sabbatical. The Bible vision of taking time every seven years for a jubilation or laying land fallow under girds congregational sabbatical policies. Sabbatical is a time for a pastor to do more than stop regular routines and meetings. It is an opportunity for refreshment and to find a new lens through which to view mission, ministry, and call. An extended vision check-up (NOT extended vacation).
In the coming days, I will be getting a pair of prescription sunglasses for the pilgrimage that lies ahead. I am confident that they will help to bring things into better focus and sharpen the edges. It is my hope that they will serve as a metaphoric tool to a great re-visioning that will occur as I begin my sabbatical pilgrimage on this coming Sunday.
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Walt is traveling with five other rostered leaders of the St. Paul Area Synod to Iringa, Tanzania for the Pamoja Summit. Sign up to receive a daily email that contains a prayer, a reflection, and find out what the Pamoja group is doing.